The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) industry faces significant financial management challenges due to the complexity of project financing, milestone-based payments, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Traditional on-premise ERP financial systems are often inefficient, leading to delays in financial reporting, security vulnerabilities, and regulatory compliance difficulties. This study explores the development of cloud-based financial solutions tailored to the EPC industry, examining the benefits, challenges, and applicability of existing models such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Blockchain-based decentralized finance (DeFi). A Hybrid Cloud-Based Financial Framework is proposed, integrating SaaS for accounting, PaaS for customization, and Blockchain for secure transactions. Experimental validation demonstrates that cloud adoption reduces financial processing time by 87.5%, enhances cash flow visibility, improves security, and increases regulatory compliance efficiency by 40%. This paper highlights the importance of AI-driven predictive analytics, automated compliance, and hybrid cloud models in modern EPC finance and proposes strategies for overcoming integration challenges, cybersecurity risks, and workforce adoption barriers. Future research should focus on scaling hybrid cloud solutions globally and integrating AI-powered risk assessment tools.
Abstract Blockchain technology is a digital decentralized data ledger recording transactions in an encrypted format. Its implementation can potentially hold significant advantages for the built environment, particularly in manufacturing and building product usage aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM). This paradigm shift toward decentralized transactions can foster security, reliability, and accountability. Hyperledger Fabric (HLF), an enterprise‐grade distributed ledger, offers a modular, scalable, and confidential digital framework. This article introduces HLF‐based workflows to address inefficiencies in BIM and fastener product lifecycle management, such as fragmented data handling and limited process automation. Leveraging chaincodes linked to BIM models, HLF simplifies, enhances transparency, and automates construction product lifecycle processes. Contract data and execution details are managed through a blockchain stored in a common data environment (CDE) and linked to chaincodes. The article presents the conceptualization and implementation of automated workflows, emphasizing efficiency and transparency. While showcasing successful deployments, it also highlights areas for future improvement and development. The proposed framework represents a pioneering step toward a decentralized cooperative environment in the construction industry, aligning with the transformative potential of blockchain technology.
Open access
BIM and Construction Integration
Innovations in Concrete and Construction Materials
Chuanni He, Min Liu, Simon M. Hsiang, Nicholas A. Pierce · 6 authors
The decision-making for bridge preservation constitutes two types of rules: explicit rules, which are based on clear specifications to establish an overall baseline preservation plan, and implicit rules, which are rooted in extensive experience and professional judgments to adjust the baseline plan and adapt to the local context. A research gap exists in establishing standards for implicit rules and ensuring efficiency, credibility, and transparency when applying them. Therefore, the research objectives of this study are to (1) develop an information container to structure, store, and describe bridge inspection data leveraging domain knowledge; (2) enhance querying tools for organizing complex reasoning of implicit rules; and (3) establish a decentralized system for data sharing and knowledge communication in implicit decision-making. This research proposes a framework that integrates domain ontology and smart contracts to enable transparent and standardized knowledge streaming. By following a bridge preservation ontology, this research develops a mapping tool that converts element inspection data into a graph data set. Subsequently, implicit decision rules are structured via the SPARQL protocol and applied to the graph data set. A decentralized rule management platform utilizing smart contract and distributed file storage is developed to establish a standard decision-making protocol. Finally, the framework was evaluated based on 13,994 real-world bridge inspection records collected from North Carolina, United States. Results demonstrate that the proposed framework efficiently deploys implicit rules to the target data set with a 94% reduction in execution time without a loss in accuracy. The decentralized platform enforces a new rule evaluation and approval norm. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by developing an ontological framework that organizes complex reasoning of implicit preservation rules and establishing a decentralized system to enhance efficient collaboration for bridge preservation decision-making.
Timely approvals and payments to the project participants are crucial for successful completion of construction projects. However, the construction industry faces persistent delays and non-payments to contractors. Despite the desirable benefits of automated payments and enhanced access to digitized data progress, most payment applications rely on centralized control mechanisms; inefficient procedures; and documentation that takes time to prepare, review, and approve. As such, there is a need for a reliable payment automation system that guarantees timely execution of payments upon the detection of completed works. Therefore, this study used a cutting-edge approach to automate construction payments by integrating blockchain-enabled smart contracts and scan-to-Building Information Modeling (BIM). In this approach, scan-to-BIM provides accurate, real-time building progress data, which serve as the source of verifiable off-chain data. A chain-link is then used to securely relay these data to the blockchain system. Blockchain-enabled smart contracts automate the execution of payments upon meeting contract conditions. The proposed approach was implemented on a real case study project. The actual site scan was captured using a photogrammetry 360° camera, which uses a combination of structured light and infrared depth sensing technology to capture 3D data and create detailed 3D models of spaces. This study leveraged accurate, real-time building progress data to automate payments using blockchain-enabled smart contracts upon work completion, thus reducing payment disputes by tying payments to verifiable construction progress, leading to faster release of payments. The findings show that this approach provides a transparent basis for payment, enhancing trust and allowing precise project progress tracking.
In the context of digital construction, responsibility management in smart city building information modeling (BIM) projects spans the entire building lifecycle. The involvement of numerous BIM designers in project management and frequent data exchanges pose significant challenges for the traceability, immutability, and responsibility attribution of BIM models. To address these issues, this study proposes a blockchain-based responsibility management and collaboration framework for BIM projects using non-fungible tokens (NFTs), aiming to enhance the management of responsibilities and accountability in BIM projects. This research adopts a design science methodology, strictly adhering to scientific research procedures to ensure rigor. First, NFTs based on blockchain technology were developed to generate corresponding digital signatures for BIM model files. This approach ensures that each BIM model file has a unique digital identity, enhancing transparency and traceability in responsibility management. Next, the interplanetary file system (IPFS) was used to generate digital fingerprints, with the content identifier generated by IPFS uploaded to the blockchain to ensure the immutability of BIM model files. This method guarantees the integrity and security of BIM model files throughout their lifecycle. Finally, the proposed methods were validated through a blockchain network. The experimental results indicate that the proposed framework is theoretically highly feasible and demonstrates good applicability and efficiency in practical production. The constructed blockchain network meets the actual needs of responsibility management in smart city BIM projects, enhancing the transparency and reliability of project management.
Current autonomous building research primarily focuses on energy efficiency and automation. While traditional artificial intelligence has advanced autonomous building research, it often relies on predefined rules and struggles to adapt to complex, evolving building operations. Moreover, the centralized organizational structures of facilities management hinder transparency in decision-making, limiting true building autonomy. Research on decentralized governance and adaptive building infrastructure, which could overcome these challenges, remains relatively unexplored. This paper addresses these limitations by introducing a novel Decentralized Autonomous Building Cyber-Physical System framework that integrates Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, Large Language Models, and digital twins to create a smart, self-managed, operational, and financially autonomous building infrastructure. This study develops a full-stack decentralized application to facilitate decentralized governance of building infrastructure. An LLM-based artificial intelligence assistant is developed to provide intuitive human-building interaction for blockchain and building operation management-related tasks and enable autonomous building operation. Six real-world scenarios were tested to evaluate the autonomous building system's workability, including building revenue and expense management, AI-assisted facility control, and autonomous adjustment of building systems. Results indicate that the prototype successfully executes these operations, confirming the framework's suitability for developing building infrastructure with decentralized governance and autonomous operation.
David F. Bucher, Jens Hunhevicz, Ranjith K. Soman, Pieter Pauwels · 5 authors
The field of construction informatics is fragmented and lacks clarity in understanding the interconnection of different data management strategies. This makes it challenging to address industry-specific data management issues. Using a critical interpretive synthesis, this study reviews and integrates both present and emerging data management approaches in construction informatics. The review is meant to be comprehensive, encompassing technologies and concepts such as Open Schema, Information Container, Common Data Environments, Linked Data, as well as cutting-edge Web3 technologies such as blockchain and decentralized data protocols. The different approaches are identified and classified into five categories and mapped into a two-dimensional framework that considers data storage and data processing modes. The systematic categorization provides a simple, but comprehensive understanding of data management strategies in construction informatics. Moreover, the framework allows to identify the state of the art and trends of data management approaches, providing guidance for future research perspectives, especially in the intersection with Web3 technologies.
Yongshun Xu, Ming Chi, Heap‐Yih Chong, Cen-Ying Lee · 5 authors
Building information modeling (BIM) and blockchain applications have introduced significant benefits to the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry in recent years. Although publications on BIM and blockchain integration have been increasing, no systematic examination of the present status and managerial implications of integrated BIM and blockchain has been conducted. To bridge this gap, this paper conducts a state-of-the-art review of the development of integrated BIM and blockchain in a built environment. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was adopted to synthesize and analyze the research evidence. The results revealed five key managerial implications of BIM integration with blockchain at the project level: design and collaboration, financial management, construction management, information management, and integration management (with other cutting-edge technologies). Challenges and opportunities are outlined and articulated from both technological and managerial perspectives, such as stakeholder management, impact assessment, real-time project management, information redundancy, and incompatibility.
Muhammad Asfund Khalid, Muhammad Usman Hassan, Fahim Ullah, Khursheed Ahmed
Purpose The debate around automation through digital technologies has gathered traction in line with the advancement of Industry 4.0. Blockchain-powered construction progress payment has emerged as an area that can benefit from such automation. However, the challenges inherent in real-time construction payment processes cannot be solely mitigated by blockchain. Including building information modeling (BIM)-based schedule information stored in decentralized storage linked with a smart contract (SC) can allow the efficient administration of payments. Accordingly, this study aims to present an integrated BIM-blockchain system (BBS) to administer decentralized progress payments in construction projects. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method approach is adopted, including an extensive literature review, development of the integrated BBS, and a case study with 13 respondents to test and validate the BBS. This study proposes a BBS that extracts the invoices from BIM and pushes them to the decentralized app (dApp) for digital payment to the contractor through the Ethereum blockchain. The Solc npm package was used to compile the backend SC. Next.js was used to create the front end of the dApp. The Web3 npm package is paramount in developing a dApp. A total of 13 construction professionals working on the case study project were engaged through a questionnaire survey to comment on and validate the proposed BBS. A descriptive analysis was conducted on the case study data to apprehend the responses of expert professionals. Findings The proposed BBS creates an SC, enables sender verification, checks contract complaints, verifies bills, and processes the currency flow based on a coded payment logic. After passing the initial checks, the bill amount is processed and made available for the contractor to claim. Every activity on dApp leaves its trace on the blockchain ledger. A control mechanism for accepting or rejecting the invoice is also incorporated into the system. The case study-based validation confirmed that the proposed BBS could increase payment efficiency (92.3%), tackle financial misconduct (84.6%), ensure transparency and audibility (92.4%), and ensure payment security (61%) in construction projects. A total of 46.2% of respondents were skeptical of the BBS because of its dependency on cryptocurrencies. A further 23.1% of respondents indicated that the price fluctuation of cryptocurrencies is a major barrier to BBS adoption. Others highlighted the absence of legal frameworks for cryptocurrencies’ usage. Originality/value This study opens the avenue for the application of dApp for autonomous contract management and progress payments, which is flexible with applications across various construction processes. Overall, it is a potential solution to the endemic problem of cash flow that has devastating consequences for all project stakeholders. This is also aligned with the goals of Industry 4.0, where process automation is a key focus. The study provides a practice application for automated progress payments that can be leveraged in construction projects across the globe.
Ovaj diplomski rad istražuje primjenu blockchain tehnologije za sigurno pohranjivanje i praćenje građevinskih dozvola. Tradicionalni postupci registracije nekretnina često su složeni i skloni greškama, dok blockchain nudi digitalna i automatizirana rješenja koja mogu značajno pojednostaviti ove procese. U radu su obrađeni temeljni koncepti i evolucija blockchaina, uključujući Peer-to-Peer komunikaciju, različite vrste blockchaina, te mehanizme konsenzusa poput Proof-of-Work i Proof-of-Stake koji osiguravaju valjanost transakcija. Posebna pažnja posvećena je pametnim ugovorima na Ethereum platformi koji omogućuju automatsko izvršavanje bez potrebe za posrednicima. Razrađene su njihove funkcionalnosti i korištenje programskog jezika Solidity za njihovu implementaciju, kao i integracija InterPlanetary File Systema (IPFS) za čuvanje metapodataka. Također, analizirana je primjena Moralis Event API-ja za indeksiranje i lakše pretraživanje podataka, budući da je direktno pretraživanje blockchaina složeno i često neučinkovito. Praktični dio rada uključuje razvoj decentralizirane aplikacije koja koristi pametni ugovor i IPFS za sigurno praćenje građevinskih dozvola. Demonstrirano je kako blockchain tehnologija, poznata po svojoj sigurnosti, transparentnosti i decentralizaciji, može unaprijediti industriju nekretnina smanjenjem troškova, ubrzanjem transakcija i povećanjem ukupne pouzdanosti sustava.
Viraaji Mothukuri, Reza M. Parizi, James L. Massa, Abbas Yazdinejad
Rampant scams plague decentralized finance (DeFi) projects, creating a DeFi credibility problem that limits the impact of DeFi advances in the availability and variety of financial services. This paper presents a novel solution to the DeFi credibility problem by developing an AI multi-model that generates TrustScore ratings for DeFi projects and clear explanations of the scores. We generate DeFi-project TrustScore by aggregating multiple factors that provide DeFi investors with a holistic view of DeFi project trustworthiness. To rate a DeFi project with a TrustS core, we combine the output of four AI pipelines that analyze smart contract code vulnerabilities, suspicious transactions, anomalous price changes to smart contracts, and social media scam sentiment. Applying four factors exponentially improves the trust-score accuracy over the single-factor approaches done historically. Two of the factors, anomalous price change, and social media sentiment, have not been used before to detect DeFi fraud. Furthermore, we enhanced the most critical factor, smart-contract code vulnerability detection, with the latest Large Language Models (LLMs). Our overall system is a multi-model composed of a TrustS core Explainer LLM that aggregates individual pipeline results, a fine-tuned GPT model to audit smart contract code, the Prophet forecasting tool, FinBERT tailored for financial Natural Language Processing (NLP), and XGBoost for classification. The proposed approach identifies a significant proportion of known fraudulent DeFi projects and generates an accurate and explained TrustScore. Thus, we address the DeFi credibility problem so that investors can make reliable decisions about DeFi projects.
Since the 1970s, telecommuting has generated significant interest among academics and practitioners alike. However, the topic of flexible working arrangements has become more relevant lately, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As digital technologies continuously advance, immersive workplaces facilitated by technologies such as virtual reality (VR) become more appealing. This article examines the phenomenon of virtual immersive workspaces and their impacts on organizations. It provides insights into the emerging trends driving subsequent immersive technologies that not only foster competitive advantages in the Web3 era but also shed light on the challenges that organizations face in this context. The findings emphasize the key advantages and limitations of implementing VR in the workplace as well as the importance of purposefully designing a set of tools for remote workers.
Xuling Ye, Ningshuang Zeng, Xingyu Tao, Daguang Han · 5 authors
With the digital transformation of the construction industry, the need to improve construction business process collaboration and automation is increasing. However, as construction projects usually involve many stakeholders with complex relationships and insufficient mutual trust, the existing technologies cannot fulfill the requirements of the construction industry. This paper explores the integration of blockchain, smart contracts, and process automation technologies into construction business processes, shedding light on both managerial and technical challenges. The study introduces a comprehensive technical framework meticulously designed to align with the intricate nature of construction practices while focusing on the resolution of legal complexities associated with smart contract applications and the facilitation of process collaboration and automation. The framework comprises three core modules: (1) action definition and extension to process models, (2) standardized mapping for automatic smart contract generation, and (3) smart contract visualization for reliable process collaboration and automation. This multifaceted approach caters to the specific needs of construction management, standardization, interoperability, and visualization. The framework’s practicality is further evaluated through real-world testing within a construction payment case, effectively showcasing its efficacy and applicability in tangible business scenarios. While this paper represents a significant step forward in addressing construction business process collaboration and automation challenges, it acknowledges the necessity for ongoing research and development to refine and expand these innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of construction management.
Increasing expectancy for efficiency in the delivery of building projects and the adoption of lean production processes for construction has made the necessity for the development of an integrated system for cost estimating, cost monitoring, cost control, and payments in the construction lifecycle important. Existing 5D BIM tools are used to estimate the cost of projects during the preconstruction period. There is a lack of integration between the 5D BIM models, existing progress monitoring tools, and payment systems used in construction. Lack of standardization in the use of model elements through the project lifecycle has also been identified as one of the factors limiting automation in 5D BIM. Construction project monitoring can be automated by combining modern technologies that allow for visualization of building progress (Laser scanners, computer vision) with 5D BIM cost estimation tools. These project monitoring tools can be combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Smart contracts to develop an integrated lifecycle system for cost management in construction. This paper examines existing systems used in 5D BIM to develop integrated practices and systems that will streamline the process of cost estimating, cost monitoring, cost control, and cash flow in the construction supply chain. This will reduce the inefficiency that exists today with traditional contracts and payment applications that do not interact with the 5D BIM application. By leveraging a standardized classification ID system throughout a project life cycle and applying AI and smart contract, features like cost estimation cost control, and payments can be fully streamlined, integrated, and automated. A case study of an existing construction project utilizing 5D BIM was examined. According to the study, 5D BIM is used in the pre-construction stage of a cost estimation project. It was also revealed that 5D BIM improves project cost visualization and budget control.
Amer A. Hijazi, Srinath Perera, Rodrigo N. Calheiros, Ali Mohammed Alashwal
Blockchain is becoming a game-changer for many sectors, noted for its tamper-proof nature that boosts data structures' integrity, auditability, and transparency. It provides the pragmatics within which data exchange between construction supply chain (CSC) stakeholders notably addresses its fragmented character. However, the construction industry is lagging compared to other sectors regarding the share of blockchain business activities. On the other hand, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is globally recognized as the primary catalyst for digital transformation within the construction industry to expedite coordination and data exchange between CSC stakeholders. Even though some existing researchers propose software prototypes to establish the technological feasibility of BIM integration with blockchain, there is a lack of a management model that CSC stakeholders can follow to help the industry manage change and obtain maximum value from the technology to put processes in motion. The philosophy behind the sensing-shaping-seizing framework is used in this paper to reflect what is required to propel companies towards integrating BIM and Blockchain in the Construction Supply Chain through a stakeholder's development stack, drivers and barriers to adoption, and potential disruption points. The research approach was an induction involving two construction enterprises in Australia selected for the knowledge elicitation case studies. The primary contribution of this research to knowledge is the translation of the blockchain technology stack, consisting of the application, protocol, and networking layers, into a holistic understanding of the roles played by each CSC data stakeholder and their motivation to adopt the potential solution at each layer.
John Aliu, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Lydia Uyi Ehiosun
Purpose This study aims to evaluate the drivers influencing the integration of distributed ledger technologies (DLTs) in the Nigerian construction industry to provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors that shape the adoption and utilization of this transformative technology within the sector. Design/methodology/approach This objective was achieved through a quantitative research approach, utilizing a structured questionnaire to systematically gather data from various stakeholders in the Nigerian construction sector. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, alongside inferential statistical techniques like the Kruskal-Wallis H-test, the Shapiro-Wilk test and exploratory factor analysis. Findings The most highly ranked drivers for DLT within the construction industry are security and fraud resistance, traceability and transparency, government support, compliance and reporting and trust building. Further analysis unveiled five distinct factors of application areas, namely: technological and operational drivers, economic and financial drivers, regulatory and government drivers, collaborative and stakeholder drivers and environmental and sustainability drivers. Practical implications The practical implications emphasize the need for construction industry stakeholders to focus on security, transparency and trust-building when considering DLT adoption. This study also offers valuable insights for investors and technology providers seeking opportunities in the Nigerian construction sector. Originality/value This study sheds light on the factors most critical for DLT adoption in the Nigerian construction sector. Unlike previous research, this study pinpoints security and fraud resistance, along with traceability and transparency, as the most influential drivers. This highlights the Nigerian construction industry’s particular vulnerability to fraud and its emphasis on clear audit trails.
Purpose In the current era of technological advancement, the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is undergoing a radical transformation, prompting researchers to explore new breakthroughs that can revolutionise the construction process. This paper delves into the use of cutting-edge technologies such as building information management (BIM), blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), along with advanced management techniques such as work breakdown structure (WBS) and Agile thinking, to enhance the industry’s efficiency, productivity, quality and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, the pressing need for a sustainable, secure and transparent sector amplifies the significance of the proposed research. Design/methodology/approach This study’s research approach comprises an intensive literature review to construct a conceptual framework, followed by an exploratory questionnaire to validate the framework. Findings This paper demonstrates how blockchain combined with a WBS and a BIM platform may boost collaboration in order to experience efficient and trusted workflow scenarios that can overcome many of the challenges given in a traditional building technique. The research findings emphasise the benefits of the proposed new mentality approach, which incorporates all of the previously described tools/techniques to the business. Research limitations/implications This paper highlights the advantages of leveraging a combination of blockchain, WBS and BIM platforms to boost collaboration and enable efficient and trustworthy workflow scenarios that can surmount the difficulties inherent in traditional AEC industry collaboration methods. Originality/value This study provides original insights into the challenges and opportunities of using blockchain for AEC collaboration, by exploring the potential of decentralised blockchain networks to improve the security, efficiency and transparency of collaborative data sharing and management.