Infrastructure, which encompasses highways, rails, ports, terminals, energy, and telecommunication systems, is critical to sustaining productivity expansion, living standards, and stability. These projects widely rely on different skills and sources of capital. There is also widespread consensus that infrastructure complexities are often difficult to predict. Managing and controlling all these inputs for balancing different project sides play critical roles in this context. These processes can, however, be automated, and their duration and costs are reduced with emerging technologies, specifically blockchain technology and digital twins for infrastructure projects. Using decentralization in the construction industry can be advantageous for applications that make subjective and transparent decisions on complex and large infrastructure projects. There are currently no systems that can process large amounts of data efficiently while simultaneously taking into account user information to facilitate the development of such technologies. This research focuses on identifying data-driven techniques for automating data extraction from decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO), using volunteers (voters) for assistance.
Peter Ifechukwude Egbumokei, Ikiomoworio Nicholas Dienagha, Wags Numoipiri Digitemie, Ekene Cynthia Onukwulu · 5 authors
This paper examines the common challenges faced in strategic contract management within the drilling industry, including complex contractual relationships, regulatory compliance, risk management, and cost control. Proposed solutions and mitigation strategies are explored, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, robust risk management frameworks, comprehensive contract review, technology adoption, and a culture of continuous improvement. Furthermore, the paper delves into future trends and developments shaping contract management in drilling operations. These trends include digital transformation, integration of data analytics, adoption of smart contracts, focus on sustainability and ESG compliance, and collaborative contracting models. The impact of these trends on enhancing efficiency, mitigating risks, and achieving sustainable outcomes is discussed, highlighting the need for organizations to embrace emerging technologies and innovative approaches in contract management. By addressing the challenges, implementing effective solutions, and embracing future trends, drilling companies can optimize efficiency, minimize costs, and maintain competitiveness in the dynamic landscape of contract management. This paper serves as a comprehensive guide for industry practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders seeking to advance contract management practices for efficiency and cost reduction in drilling operations. Effective contract management is crucial for enhancing drilling efficiency and reducing costs. This paper addresses common challenges such as complex contractual relationships and regulatory compliance, offering solutions like clear communication and robust risk management. It explores future trends like digital transformation and smart contracts, emphasizing their potential to improve efficiency and sustainability. By embracing emerging technologies and collaborative models, drilling companies can optimize operations and maintain competitiveness. This paper serves as a guide for industry practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders looking to advance contract management practices for efficiency and cost reduction in drilling operations.
Amir Faraji, Shima Homayoon Arya, Elnaz Ghasemi, Maria Rashidi · 7 authors
Purpose In the construction industry, various parties are involved in a project. Consequently, claims and disputes are inevitable in this industry. This paper aims to develop Integrated project delivery (IPD) practices including early involvement of stakeholders and multiparty contracts which its combination with advanced technologies such as blockchain can lead to better dispute management and improve the whole construction process. Design/methodology/approach Based on literature review, the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for IPD contacts were identified, and three formats of IPD contracts were selected, and the dispute resolution process of them has been analyzed. Then, based on blockchain review, a conceptual blockchain-based dispute management (BDM) model was generated for ADR in IPD. Model validation was done by an interview. Experts were asked to compare the BDM model with the traditional system regarding the ADR duration. Findings Analyses of the collected data from the experts demonstrated that the BDM model has better function in terms of time and cost for ADR process when the project is facing serious and considerable number of disputes. The relation between blockchain technology (BCT) and building information modeling (BIM) has been examined through a framework, and the ability of the proposed model for administrating dispute resolution process has been verified using four different scenarios of construction claims that show the system can run successfully. Originality The current study proposes a truthful model, reliable framework to address the problem of project dispute management in IPD contracts. The system combines the ability to being unchangeable and the reliability characteristics of BCT with informative and automation aspects of BIM together to improve dispute resolution issue in the IPD system.
Abstract Modular integrated construction (MiC) becomes a promising solution to improve production efficiency in the construction industry. However, the off‐site production and on‐site installation processes of MiC pose challenges to collaboration efficiency among the multiple stakeholders involved, including subcontractors, contractors, and consumers. These challenges stem from information dispersion, which impedes effective collaboration and communication. Such problems can be solved by introducing a blockchain‐based cyber‐physical service platform, which can facilitate information sharing and collaboration across the supply chain. In this paper, we study the impacts of MiC and blockchain technology on construction supply chains and reveal several important insights. First, we find that there exists a first‐mover advantage in the traditional construction supply chain, where subcontractors engage in a sequential game, and the subcontractor who produces first obtains more profit than the counterparts. Moreover, the contractor's ability to increase profits by reducing the unit cost of construction time is limited, but it can improve the effectiveness of the time gap due to early delivery. Second, we show that MiC should not be introduced if it significantly reduces collaboration efficiency in the supply chain. Interestingly, increasing the unit cost of construction for subcontractors can actually result in greater profits for all members of the supply chain. Regarding adopting blockchain technology, our findings suggest that supply chain members generally hold similar attitudes. Specifically, when the value of blockchain in improving collaboration efficiency is below a certain threshold, its adoption may not be beneficial, despite its potential to enable rapid production and early delivery.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current state of research on the integration of blockchain and building information modelling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry as a means of identifying gaps between the existing paradigm and practical applications for determining future research directions and improving the industry. The study aims to provide clear guidance on areas that need attention for further research and funding and to draw academic attention to factors beyond the technical dimension. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method systematic review is used, considering multiple literature types and using a sociotechnical perspective-based framework that covers three dimensions (technic, process and context) and three research elements (why, what and how). Data are retrieved and analysed from the Web of Science and Scopus databases for the 2017–2023 period. Findings While blockchain has the potential to address security, traceability and transparency and complement the system by integrating supporting applications, significant gaps still exist between these potentials and widespread industry adoption. Current limitations and further research needs are identified, including designing fully integrated prototypes, empirical research to identify operational processes, testing and analysing operational-level models or applications and developing and applying a technology acceptance model for the integration paradigm. Previous research lacks contextual settings, real-world tests or empirical investigations and is primarily conceptual. Originality/value This paper provides a comprehensive, critical systematic review of the integration of blockchain with BIM in the construction industry, using a sociotechnical perspective-based framework which can be applied in future reviews. The study provides insight into the current state and future opportunities for policymakers and practitioners in the AECO industry to prepare for the transition in this disruptive paradigm. It also provides a phased plan along with a clear direction for the transition to more advanced applications.
A building lifecycle consists of multiple domains, and building information modeling (BIM) applications involve cross-domain knowledge exchange. In the knowledge spiral theory proposed by Nonaka, externalization facilitates knowledge exchange in designing cooperation, and a model library (ML) contains the necessary information for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. However, current MLs are centralized systems that are vulnerable to data tampering and copyright disputes, and the provided models may not match the requirements of current building projects. Therefore, this article develops a blockchain-based parametric ML (BBPML) for BIM collaboration to realize knowledge sharing. The parametric model in our ML can be flexibly applied to a project by adjusting the parameters. A blockchain network provides reliable storage and ensures the upload sequence. The research creates a website based on the proposed system through Ethereum and applies it to a curtain wall project.
Mohamed Assaf, Lena Salami, Diana Salhab, Ahmed Hammad
The adoption of integrated project delivery (IPD) provides several advantages over traditional delivery methods, such as shorter schedules, efficient communication, and higher performance quality.However, its implementation is constantly hindered by many barriers.Existing studies on IPD barriers are limited to quantifying and addressing such obstacles.Additionally, hardly any studies have addressed the potential of advanced technologies in exploiting the adoption of IPD projects.Thus, this study presents an automated system that integrates blockchain, smart contracts, and BIM technologies to facilitate the implementation of IPD projects.Hyperledger Fabric and chaincodes are used to develop the blockchain network in accordance with 4D and 5D BIM models.The developed system simplifies various financial transactions throughout different phases of the IPD project implementation.The system allows non-owner participants to submit requests and review transaction records with the aim of minimizing possible conflicts.The methodology is evaluated by testing it on a real-life case study.The case study is modeled using BIM tools, and the corresponding blockchain network and smart contracts are developed.The findings prove the capability of the developed system to provide a secure and trustworthy platform for managing IPD transactions without the need for third-party involvement.
Purpose Scaling up smart city infrastructure projects will require a large financial investment. Using public–private partnerships is one of the most effective ways to address budget constraints. Numerous factors have varying degrees of influence on the performance of Public private partnerships (PPP) projects; certain PPP factors are more crucial to the success of a smart city infrastructure project than others, and their influence can be greatly increased when they are fulfilled collectively. This study aims to find out what factors are unique to smart city PPP initiatives, as well as how these factors work together, so that successful smart city infrastructure PPP projects can be scaled up. Design/methodology/approach The methodology included three sequential stages: identifying the critical success factors (CSF) of PPP for smart cities based on an extensive literature review, collecting data from a sample of 90 PPP practitioners using a Likert scale questionnaire and estimating interrelationships among the CSF and their emergent clusters using structural equation modelling. Findings The best fit model developed in this study demonstrated the significance of each factor and their interrelationships within their categories in enhancing the performance of PPPs in smart city infrastructure projects. Five categories of critical success factors for PPPs in smart city infrastructure projects have been established: partnership and collaboration; financial sustainability; contractual duties and outsourcing; smart integration; and contract governance. Practical implications The proposed model represented the causal interrelationships among relevant critical success factors derived from literature, which may help in directing the organization’s attention and resources to more critical areas, leading to the effective fulfilment of the smart city infrastructure project’s objectives. In addition to the theoretical and methodological contributions, this study produced a usable and readily adaptable list and clusters of critical success factors for research in the area of the implementation of PPP in smart city infrastructure projects. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to identify PPP critical success factors and their themed clusters for smart city infrastructure projects.
The detailed practices for smart contract implementation can be complicated when working under building information modeling (BIM)–enabled projects, especially from the perspective of contract administration. This research aims to explore and determine effective contractual practices and their associated contract provisions for smart contract implementation in BIM-enabled projects. A mixed-methods approach was adopted based on an exploratory case study and a questionnaire survey. The qualitative findings were used to initially identify the core criteria of the contractual aspects associated with smart contracts. Quantitative analysis was then applied to determine the critical contract provisions. This research provides new insights and practical knowledge toward implementing legally sound smart contracts in BIM-enabled projects through the contractual aspects of (1) contractual relationships and obligations, (2) security and privacy, and (3) other specific terms and overall contract structure. A contract framework is also developed for future research and practice of smart contract implementation in BIM-enabled projects.
Over time, several procurement methods have been adopted to facilitate the successful delivery of construction projects with minimal financial losses in order to offer maximum value to clients. In recent years, the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) procurement model has been introduced for better overall financial performance. In this model, every member of the project team has a stake in overall profit or risk irrespective of the extent of their roles and change orders and correction of errors and omissions are managed effectively with minimal contractual disruptions. This paper aims to address some of the previously cited barriers in earlier scholarly work, and it proposes a conceptual framework that integrates two novel concepts towards tackling technological and financial barriers in adopting IPD namely, BIM and Smart Contracts (SC). A framework is developed for a BIM-blockchain-IPD whereby the BIM model is integrated with blockchain technology, thereby acting as an immutable and transparent information repository and a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects. The smart contract feature of blockchain technology offers an automated equitable distribution of risk and reward amongst project stakeholders based on agreements at project inception. Thus, the research contributes to a more efficient project delivery method by avoiding information asymmetry amongst stakeholders through a tamper-proof, BIM-enabled Common Data Environment (CDE). The proposed framework is validated with qualitative analysis of information obtained based on AEC industry procurement workflows
On-time delivery of documentation and contracts has been recognized as a crucial requirement for the successful delivery of projects. However, the construction industry still depends on time-consuming traditional contract processes, which negatively affect the overall productivity of projects in the industry. The use of Smart Contracts (SCs) is highlighted as a suitable novel technology to expedite the contract processes and establish a reliable payment environment in the construction industry. Whilst there has been an increase in the debate about the use of SCs in construction in recent years, their use in practice still seems to be in its infancy. As such, the topic will benefit from a thorough review of benefits, drivers, barriers and strategies that can enhance the implementation of SCs in construction. This article presents the key findings from a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on SCs in the construction industry, critically assessing existing studies on the topic. The study initially involved 171 research papers for the SLR process, and out of that 49 research papers were filtered for further analysis after reading their abstracts. A total of 30 papers were finally filtered after the full-text reading for the SLR. Descriptive and content analysis were used to analyse the full-text findings. The study graphically mapped the bibliographic materials by using the Visualization of Similarities (VoS) Viewer software. As per the findings, the topic has mostly been researched in Asia and the Pacific as a region and China as a country. It was noted that there were more empirical articles than theoretical studies related to SCs, evidencing the industry relevance of the issue. A total of 55% of the articles reviewed have been published in journals with a Q1 ranking. All the articles were written by multiple authors, with 30% of the journal articles having international co-authors and benefitting from the collaboration between authors. Key advantages identified in the literature go beyond contract and payment provisions and include aspects such as logistic handling, decentralized applications, business process management, automated payments, etc. Key drivers for adoption are supply chain pressure, competitive pressure, top management support, simple layout, reduction in risks of clients, clarity in responsibility and risk allocation, whereas the key barriers include insecurity, limited observability, incompatibility, inactive government collaboration and limited storage capacity. Key strategies to enhance the application of SC in construction include integrating theorems proving symbolic execution, using the selective transparency method and lock fund system, testing the integration of SCs with other systems at the initial stage, incorporating semi-automated consensus mechanisms for payments, constructing a mechanism to actively engage with government bodies, etc.
Disputes are described as an epidemic of the construction industry because they slow construction or even stop a project completely for a period of time, leading to a breakdown of business relationships, delayed project times, and inflated costs. The most common kind of disputes are contractual based. The need for contractual clarity is immense when there are many different contracts being drafted by different companies. Most common causes of disputes in construction and to what extent the standard forms assist in mitigating disputes in Australia is not well studied and is addressed in this study. The research method involved review of a sample of legal cases that were caused by construction contractual disputes. Accordingly, 10 cases were analyzed, with some using standard forms of contracts and some using customized contracts. The findings revealed that time and cost overruns were the most common cause of construction disputes. The research further reviewed specific terms and clauses that relate to time and cost in the standard forms and found both local and international contracts assist to mitigate disputes when the contracts are managed as agreed by parties. This research offers useful implications to mitigate contractual disputes in construction and suggest further to consider new technologies such as blockchain and smart contract. Further research can extend to explore more contexts and other forms of contracts.
Abstract Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides an excellent opportunity to digitally document and visually display construction projects’ information throughout their whole lifecycle. Another recent technology that fosters the digital transformation of the construction sector is blockchain-based smart contract. In combination with BIM models, such smart contract can be used for delivery, acceptance, and payment (DAP) process automation in the construction industry. The DAP process can be modelled by using smart contracts and securely stored via a blockchain. Since smart contracts are programming codes, for stakeholders it is difficult to understand what is exactly written in them. Therefore, it is necessary to visualize the state and executed transactions of the deployed smart contracts. In this paper, a framework is highlighted to record and visualize the status of the DAP processes by combining BIM with smart contracts using the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) to develop a smart contract system. With the help of suitable visualization concepts, the individual transactions of the blockchain can be displayed in a comprehensible way. The feasibility of the framework is presented through an illustrative implementation of the smart contract system. The proposed framework can help project participants better understand the current state of a smart contract.
The present study uses a bibliometric and systematic literature review (SLR) to examine the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Twins (DT) in the construction industry. The network visualization and other approaches based on the Web of Science (WOS) database and the patterns of research interactions were explored in 1879 academic publications using co-occurrence and co-citation investigations. Significant publications, conferences, influential authors, countries, organizations, and funding agencies have been recognized. Our study demonstrates that BIM, IoT, and DT in construction, Heritage BIM (HBIM), Smart Contracts, BIM, and Ontology, and VR and AR in BIM and DT are the main study themes. Finally, several prospective areas for future study are identified, including BIM and Metaverse technology, BIM and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Metaheuristic algorithms for optimization purposes in BIM, and the Circular Economy with BIM and IoT.
Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan
Purpose Studies show that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies can be used to transform the built environment sector in the 21st century. Blockchain technology has been identified as one of the drivers of 4IR that could be a channel of innovation in the built environment. Studies concerning the application of blockchain technology in Nigeria’s built environment are scarce. Thus, this study aims to investigate the relevance of blockchain technology to the Nigerian built environment professionals (BEP) in the 21st century and proffer ways to promote the applications in the sector. Design/methodology/approach Given the unexplored nature of the issue in Nigeria’s context, 20 semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted across Lagos and Abuja cities. The participants were knowledgeable in construction-related information technology, from construction contracting firms and construction consulting firms, academicians in construction consultancy and internet and communication technology experts. The collated data were coded, analysed and presented in themes via a thematic approach. Findings Automating construction progress payments in smart contracts, financial management and supply chain management reduces transaction costs emerged as the key areas where blockchain technology can benefit the Nigerian BEP if well implemented. Others are blockchain-based BIM and prevents forgery and alteration of data, contract management and blockchain-based building information modelling (BIM). Blockchain technology applications are not without some hindrances. The 22 perceived hindrances were government, employer and employee related in Nigeria’s built environment. Research limitations/implications This research is restricted to the relevance and encumbrances facing the applications of blockchain technology in Nigeria’s built environment. Also, this study proffers policy solutions to promote the application of blockchain technology in the built environment via a qualitative method. Future study becomes pertinent to explore other components of the 4IR and their relevance within Nigeria’s built environment. Practical implications Results from this paper will strengthen and offer a rich insight into the relevance of blockchain technology in the Nigerian built environment. Other developing nations with similar challenges may consider the recommendations from this study. This study will contribute towards stirring the parties to create a good platform and supporting policies to promote the applications and implementation of blockchain technology across the industry. Originality/value This paper is one of the few papers that attempted to uncover issues that hinder blockchain technology applications in the Nigerian built environment via a qualitative approach and proffer feasible solutions from the practitioners’ perspective.
Purpose BIM research to date has in general zeroed in on featuring the significance of BIM-enabled integration and collaboration (BIMIC) rather than giving exact proof of its occurrence. Accordingly, this research quantitatively explored the determinants of BIMIC in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach This research conceptualized a four-pillar model of BIM-enabled integration and collaboration. The speculations in the model were examined using SEM-MLE. Findings The aftereffects of the SEM-MLE demonstrated that network communication, knowledge sharing, and transfer, information sharing and exchange and trust-based relationships are critical determinants of BIMIC. The model's prescient power demonstrates an acceptable validity, and the boundary gauges showed that all the hypotheses were measurably huge. Research limitations/implications This research gives a hypothetical premise for further investigation of BIMIC by supporting the postulations on the occurrence of collaboration and integrations among the BIM-SCM. Practical implications The idea investigated involving SEM in this research gives a holistic view to the BIM managers in arranging BIM-based activities and overseeing BIM cycles and supply chain members. It likewise offers rules and structures for accomplishing and overseeing integration and collaboration among the BIM supply chain members. Originality/value Despite 20 years of exploration on the BIM concept and adoption, no idea has been given to clarify the determinants of integration and collaboration as a BIM cycle. The four-pillar model of BIMIC created and tested in this research clarified BIMIC and contributed a new model to the current literature on the BIM process.
Jin Hong Tan, Siaw Chuing Loo, Nurshuhada Zainon, Nur Mardhiyah Aziz · 5 authors
Purpose Although building information modelling (BIM) brings various benefits and open up the construction industry to many new possibilities, it is not without some challenges. Blockchain has the potential to resolve some of these problems. It has shown that blockchain and BIM can potentially work together in bringing various benefits to all project stakeholders. However, there is a lack of research and knowledge in relation to blockchain-based BIM. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to close this gap by looking into the potential functionality and workability of blockchain within a BIM environment. Design/methodology/approach A four-stage preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses systematic literature review technique has been used to review the blockchain- and BIM-related information sources published. A total of 53 journal articles, 13 books and 27 other resources including that of reports and websites have been included in this paper. Findings Blockchain-based BIM has countless possibilities, ranging from simple tasks such as tracking of orders to automation of construction payment claims. The literatures have suggested that the several weaknesses that BIM possesses including trust issue, asset ownership issue and data reliability issue could be resolved by incorporating blockchain into its processes. Originality/value Because of the lack of researches on the workability of blockchain and BIM, this paper aims to close this gap by proposing a framework for the interaction between blockchain and BIM for a typical building project. This paper has reviewed a substantial amount of currently available knowledge on blockchain-based BIM and its relevancy to the construction industry. This paper believes that the information could be of use to potential BIM tools maker and the construction industry for the betterment of BIM implementation throughout a project life cycle.