Blockchain Papers

Yuhan Liu, Xingyu Tao, Moumita Das, Xingbo Gong · 8 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Hossein Naderi, Mohammad Hossein Heydari, Alireza Shojaei

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is widely known for being fragmented. In this situation, blockchain technology has been introduced as a promising solution to bring trust and transparency to the industry. As blockchain technology continues to evolve, it has embraced new capabilities and features, including Fungible-Tokens (FTs) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), which have recently drawn significant attention in various industries. Tokenization can be seen as a next-generation solution to address challenges in the AEC. However, the application of tokenization for the AEC industry has remained undeveloped. To address this gap, this study provides an overview of tokenization, followed by an investigation of its applications in the AEC industry using a literature review method. By illustrating a clear outlook of the potential advantages and challenges, the study helps to set realistic expectations over the potential improvement that tokenization can bring. This can also serve as a fundamental source for further investigation by researchers and practitioners.

Erfan Moayyed, Eva Agapaki

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.

Deigo de Saldnha, Adam Trope, Omokolade Akinsomi, Daramola Olapade · 5 authors

The advancement in digital technologies such as cryptography, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual and augmented realities has blurred the difference between reality and the digital world. Through the Metaverse, a 3D virtual environment that serves as a hub for all types of business, education, and leisure experiences; investment activities akin to those in real world are being carried out with the help of augmented and virtual reality services. People now invest in virtual real estate and other digital assets using Non-Fungible Token (NFT). It is however unclear how investors in developing economies such as South Africa view such an investment option. This paper examines the perception of investors in South Africa (SA) on investing in virtual real estate in the Metaverse. This study employs a mixed method approach involving questionnaire administration and interview. Questionnaire were administered on 20 selected investors in South Africa (SA). This was followed up by interview. The results were analysed using descriptive approach. The findings reveal that is a high awareness level (85%) among the selected SA investors on investment in virtual real estate, the willingness to invest in it is however lower (65%) and only 15% of the investors have investment in virtual real estate. The low entry rate of investment in virtual real estate in the Metaverse amidst a high level of willingness to invest shows that there are certain factors preventing investments in it. The study recommends that a robust governance should be put in place to allay the security concern and high volatility expressed by investors This paper is among the few studies that have considered investment in the Metaverse from a real estate perspective.

Sean M. Mulholland

No abstract is available for this record.

Gözde Başak Özturk, Fatih Soygazi

No abstract is available for this record.

M. Dhayanand, Mr. A. Aswin Bharath, Mr. P. A. Prabakaran, Ms. U. Sindhu Vaardhini

Digital Twins (DTs) are gaining popularity because they provide precise digital copies of assets, processes, and systems. This is especially true when these DTs are paired with real-time simulation models that make use of modern technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. These combinations can provide a comprehensive and dynamic view of the monitored systems. Digital twin (DT) has shown tremendous potential to bring about revolutionary improvements in the field of construction site surveillance. There is, however, a notable paucity of empirical research identifying the constant elements affecting DT adoption in this industry. This research tries to fill that void by identifying the important elements that determine the usage of DT in construction. The study adopts a complete framework with the goal of increasing the use of DT in building site monitoring. The elements influencing the adoption and effectiveness of distributed ledger technology (DT) are divided into three categories: technological, organizational, and economic. Technological factors include the system's appropriateness and the robustness of the data infrastructure. Organizational considerations include the company's openness to innovation and leadership support. Economic aspects include things like return on investment (ROI) and cost-effectiveness. The research technique combines case studies and literature reviews to examine the benefits and drawbacks of DT in construction monitoring. This study's expected output is a comprehensive framework that aids construction businesses in optimizing the use of DT in site monitoring. This would allow for more efficient, data-driven, and forward-thinking processes. The study's ultimate purpose is to provide critical knowledge that will assist the building sector in adopting cutting-edge methods. The industry may better plan for the integration of this sophisticated technology into their operations by knowing the potential of DT and the variables driving its adoption. This, in turn, can lead to more efficiency, lower risks, and improved overall performance

Atul Kumar Singh, V. R. Prasath Kumar

Purpose Blockchain is a developing technology that affects numerous industries, including facility management (FM). Many barriers are associated with adopting blockchain-enabled building information modeling (BEBIM) in FM. This research aims to identify and prioritize the barriers to adopting BEBIM in FM. Design/methodology/approach To address the knowledge gap, this study employs a two-phase methodology for evaluating the barriers to adopting BEBIM in FM. The first phase involves a comprehensive literature review identifying 14 barriers to BEBIM adoption. Using a Delphi approach, the identified barriers were categorized into 6 groups and finalized by 11 experts, adding 3 more barriers to the list. The best-worst method (BWM) determines the priority weights of identified barriers and sub-barriers in the second phase. Findings This study reveals that adopting BEBIM for FM in India faces significant hurdles. The most critical barriers are “limited collaboration” and “communication among stakeholders,” “legal constraints in certain jurisdictions” and “challenges in establishing trust and governance models.” To mitigate these barriers, stakeholders should foster collaboration and communication, develop efficient blockchain technology (BT) and establish a trust and governance model. Practical implications This work underscores the importance of formulating effective strategies to overcome the identified barriers and emphasizes implications that can assist policymakers and industry stakeholders in achieving successful BEBIM adoption for improved FM practice. Originality/value The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, construction industry stakeholders and facility managers interested in leveraging this technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of FM practice in India.

Oluwatoyin Lawal, Nawari O. Nawari

For over a decade, digital modelling has transcended geometric representations to more advanced object-based modelling using real-life attirbutes. Digital technologies, especially Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been widely adopted in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry, while a newer niche - City Information Modelling (CIM) has emerged as an extension of BIM for urban informatics. This research proposes a framework that integrates heterogeneous CIM using a multi-level, nested data environment. The CIM is developed through a network of BIM models synchronized into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) interface. The individual BIM models are blockchain-enabled by connecting them to a distributed ledger and shared across a network of project collaborators using a Common Data Environment (CDE) in a Building Level Framework.. The resulting CIM from the network of BIM models is shared between the asset owners in a City Level Framework. Use case scenarios are presented to illustrate the application of the research in real life, and research limitations are discussed. The study aims to improve management of buildings and urban assets, providing a more efficient and secure platform for collaboration and data sharing through a blockchain-CIM integration, providing opportunities for further research in digital modelling and smart technologies.

Oluwatoyin Lawal, Nawari O. Nawari

For over a decade, digital modelling has transcended geometric representations to more advanced object-based modelling using real-life attirbutes. Digital technologies, especially Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been widely adopted in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry, while a newer niche - City Information Modelling (CIM) has emerged as an extension of BIM for urban informatics. This research proposes a framework that integrates heterogeneous CIM using a multi-level, nested data environment. The CIM is developed through a network of BIM models synchronized into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) interface. The individual BIM models are blockchain-enabled by connecting them to a distributed ledger and shared across a network of project collaborators using a Common Data Environment (CDE) in a Building Level Framework.. The resulting CIM from the network of BIM models is shared between the asset owners in a City Level Framework. Use case scenarios are presented to illustrate the application of the research in real life, and research limitations are discussed. The study aims to improve management of buildings and urban assets, providing a more efficient and secure platform for collaboration and data sharing through a blockchain-CIM integration, providing opportunities for further research in digital modelling and smart technologies.

Dimosthenis Kifokeris, Algan Tezel

Blockchain is a form of digital distributed ledger, referring to databases decentralized across numerous users, facilitating peer-to-peer transactions by eliminating or reducing the need for intermediaries to conduct, validate, or authenticate them.It is characterized by transparency, data immutability and traceability, and consensus processes validating cryptographic signatures.The architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry is increasingly interested in blockchain.Lean construction (LC), a value-focused production management concept, has long been challenging conventional project management practices in AECO.Lack of conversation, however, surrounds whether and how blockchain can (or should) impact LC developments -and vice versa.And if that impact exists -is it significant enough to create value for the related stakeholders?This article offers a conceptual synergistic framework of interactions between blockchain and LC, which can facilitate an understanding on whether there is value in their combined use.A systematic literature review and analysis serve as the foundation of this research.The findings show that LC can be facilitated by blockchain through trust building for relational procurement, data recording for some key activities (e.g.offsite construction, Last Planner System), and streamlining some non-value activities (e.g.payments).In return, blockchain can gain relevance for project management practices when it is defined and implemented in a LC framework.Also, LC can help improve blockchain-related workflows and decision making.

Xuling Ye, Ningshuang Zeng, Yan Liu, Markus König

No abstract is available for this record.

Jiyang Yu, Hua Zhong, Marzia Bolpagni

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.

Nana Akua Adu-Amankwa, Farzad Pour Rahimian, Nashwan Dawood, Chansik Park

This paper reviews the potential applications of Digital Twins (DT) and Blockchain (BC) technologies throughout the building lifecycle phases by conducting a double-stranded systematic review of papers on the possible use of DT and BC. The results revealed the increasing interest in DT and BC and their potential use in all building lifecycle phases; however, studies focused mainly on the construction phase. The findings also revealed unique features of DT and BC, potentially supporting the proposal for their collaborative implementation to enhance building lifecycle management. This review's findings positioned the argument for more research on integrating DT and BC to augment building lifecycle management and the need to explore their relevance or role when transitioning from construction to post-construction. This paper elucidates readers on the potential role of DT and BC while developing a built asset and suggests directions for future research.

Chih-Lin Hsu, Jui-Tang Wang, Hsin-Yi Hou

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.

Tongrui Zhang, Dat Tien Doan, Jing Kang

No abstract is available for this record.

Jijie Xiao, Wennan Zhang, Ray Y. Zhong

No abstract is available for this record.

Authors unavailable

environment utilizing blockchain and smart contracts for supply-chain of public civil works………………………………………………………….……………...

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.

Gongfan Chen, Chuanni He, Simon M. Hsiang, Min Liu · 5 authors

Central project managers devote massive efforts to monitor, track, coordinate, and take actions to diagnose and prognose governed constraints and remove them to enable a reliable workflow.The blockchain-enabled smart contract can streamline the work process by predefining "intelligent" consensus to facilitate central managers' jobs.However, the inability of smart contracts to handle unexpected events under complicated environments posited challenges in realizing it automatically.This study aimed to develop adaptive mechanism to mediate production bottlenecks caused by constraints.First, the research identified the four main types of constraints and their levels of variability from a prefabricated project.Then, a simulation model was established to quantify the impacts of different constraints and determine the fair payment rules.Lastly, different constraint-bundled scenarios and execution policies were developed and encoded in the smart contracts for automated executions.Smart contracts can assist construction managers to motivate reliable production and minimize waste caused by bottlenecks in the system.

Pan Zhang, Haitao Wu, Heng Li, Botao Zhong · 6 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Debasis Sarkar, Dhaval Dhaneshwar, Purvesh Raval

No abstract is available for this record.

Vishnuprasad V Prabhakar, C.S. Belarmin Xavier, K.M. Abubeker

No abstract is available for this record.

Yasin Çelik, Ioan Petri, Yacine Rezgui

The Construction industry has a complex structure with multiple parties involved, which often leads to “adversarial relationships”, “risk avoidance”, and a “lack of trust” among the different actors. This culture is further compounded by a “linear workflow” that often results in low efficiency, delays, rework and unnecessary waste. Blockchain technology can help to mitigate these issues by creating a decentralised and transparent system, where all the actors can have access to a shared database, it allows tracking and monitors the different stages of the project, and even automate some processes increasing efficiency and reducing delays and rework. This study highlights the advantages of Blockchain technology, particularly how it can provide a single source of truth for project data while allowing multiple parties to access and share data in a secure and transparent way, improving the workflow of BIM projects and decreasing the likelihood of errors, mistakes, or fraudulent activities. The paper explores the integration of BIM and Blockchain across life cycle and supply chains based on the RIBA plan of work, with the objective to streamline collaboration while improving process efficiency and resource traceability in projects. The study proposes a roadmap performing a detailed literature survey for Blockchain adoption in the construction industry, and validated on a real-world Bridge project. Furthermore, this study is innovative since it examines the integration of BIM and Blockchain throughout the entire project lifecycle by simulating the smart contract implementation based on the RIBA plan of work, thus providing an in-depth examination of the potential benefits of this integration.