The paper introduces a framework for decentralised architectural design in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. We examine first the constraints of building information modelling in regard to collaboration and trust. We then introduce Blockchain infrastructure as a means for creating new operational and business models for architectural design, through project governance, scaling collaboration nominally to thousands of agents, and shifting trust to the infrastructure rather than the architectural design team. Through a wider consideration of Blockchains in construction projects we focus on the design process and validate our framework with a prototype of BIM design optimisation integrated with a Blockchain mechanism. The paper concludes by outlining the contributions our framework can enhance in the building information modelling processes, within the context of the fourth industrial revolution.
Integrating BIM- and Cost-included Information Container with Blockchain for Construction Automated Payment using Billing Model and Smart Contracts Xuling Ye, Katharina Sigalov and Markus König Pages 1388-1395 (2020 Proceedings of the 37th ISARC, Kitakyushu, Japan, ISBN 978-952-94-3634-7) Abstract: Payment issues are necessary in the construction industry, often manifested by high levels of arrears and long-term payment delays. An automated payment could be a solution to speed-up the payment process after successful completions. In this paper, a framework is proposed for the automated payment via Building Information Modeling (BIM), Linked Data, Smart Contract and Blockchain technologies. Geometrical and payment-related data are stored as BIM-based linked data. Linked Data technology connects a BIM model with its related Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and Quantity Take-Off (QTO). Based on the transparency, traceability and collaboration of the Blockchain technology, an automated payment can be secured. To integrate such an information container with Blockchain for the automated payment, an additional information model called Billing Model (BM) is proposed. Thereby, each Billing Unit (BU) stores one or more construction work tasks with a related payment and a related due date. Together with the corresponding Smart Contract rules, the BM can automate payment via a Blockchain. Several aspects of improvement and further development are discussed in the end. Keywords: Billing Model; Building Information Modeling (BIM); Information Container; Blockchain; Smart Contracts DOI: https://doi.org/10.22260/ISARC2020/0192 Download fulltext Download BibTex Download Endnote (RIS) TeX Import to Mendeley
The ITC Digital Library has an ambition to provide a single point of entry to scholarly and research publication from the domain of construction informatics alias construction information technology. We believe that works, in full text, should be available for free, to the researchers, students and the industry.
Qian Chen, Daniel Hall, Bryan T. Adey, Carl T. Haas
Purpose Managing stakeholders' reciprocal interdependencies is always a challenging issue. Stakeholders need to find out different ways to communicate information and coordinate material flows during the supply chain processes. Many recent studies have advanced construction supply chain coordination from multiple perspectives. However, the field still lacks a comprehensive analysis to summarize existing research, to explicitly identify all the possible enablers for coordination and to investigate how the enablers can be carried out at the supply chain interfaces. To fill the gap, this study aims to conduct a systematic review in order to examine the relevant literature. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review process was conducted to identify and synthesize relevant publications (published in the past 20 years) concerning the coordination of construction supply chain functions. These publications were coded to link main research findings with specific enabler categories. In addition, how these enablers can be used at the interfaces across supply chain processes was reviewed with an in-depth analysis of reciprocal communications between stakeholders at design-to-production, production-to-logistics and production-to-site-assembly phases. Findings The coordination enablers were classified into three categories: (1) contractual enablers (including subtopics on relational contracts and incentive models), (2) procedural enablers (including subtopics on multiagent knowledge sharing systems and the last planner system) and (3) technological enablers (including subtopics on linked databases for design coordination, design for manufacturing software platforms and automated monitoring technologies). It was found that interfacing different functions requires a certain level of integration of stakeholders for quick response and feedback processes. The integration of novel contractual forms with digital technologies, such as smart contracts, however, was not adequately addressed in the state of the art. Research limitations/implications The scope of the systematic review is limited to the static analysis of selected publications. Longitudinal studies should be further included to sharpen the inductions of enablers considering organizational changes and process dynamics in construction projects. Practical implications Different enablers for coordination were summarized in a concise manner, which provides researchers and project stakeholders with a reinforced understanding of various ways to manage reciprocal interdependencies at different supply chain interfaces. Originality/value This study constitutes an important input for research on the construction supply chain by illuminating the thematic topic of coordination from inductively developed review processes, which included a holistic framing of the emerging coordination enablers and their use across supply chain functions. Consequently, it closes some identified knowledge gaps and offers additional insights to improve the supply chain performance of construction projects.
There is a lack of accurate and valid data provision during the construction project lifecycle, and throughout the in-use phase of building assets. Construction needs to adopt a new technology to support building assets. Due to the current limitation of construction technology, Blockchain can be considered a new revolution within the most advanced construction applications. This paper proposes a framework for assembling Asset Information Models (AIMs) through private Blockchain to allow the owners, consultants, contractors, and suppliers to upload and visualise the data anywhere at any time throughout the lifecycle of the building to support project owners in making decisions. This paper introduces a conceptual framework through the processes of data analysis between the construction stages. The framework will improve current management efficiency in many ways such as: model upload/download, lack of data, partial model exchange, clash detection, conflict resolution, multiple data model formats, and data security. This helps project owners and maintenance teams to enhance their decision-making processes and improve the trust between stakeholders.
Recently, businesses and government bodies in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector have faced a key challenge to the delivery of effective project outcomes. Asset Information Modelling (AIM) is a process aimed to serve the asset process once the project is handed over. Considering that Blockchain is a new data management technology that is intended to provide security within a decentralized culture, this could be the foundation for improving asset processes. The research is achieved through a systematic review of the relevant literature. Several studies have been identified in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Blockchain in the construction domain. However, there is little research conducted in the context of Asset Management Processes (AMP). Skilled people are the main challenge for AIM and Blockchain: findings show that a lack of technological awareness and its link to the adoption of using AIM and Blockchain in the asset management life cycle is the main problem.
Giulia Pattini, Giuseppe Martino Di Giuda, Lavinia Chiara Tagliabue
The proposed research aims at illustrating how Blockchain technology can support the contract execution optimizing and assuring a transparent information flow during the phases of the construction process. The traditional approach, chased in the industry, is indeed more hierarchical than networked, resulting in a high fragmentation of contracts and the break of companies in numerous tiers. This context prevents effective collaboration, hindering the achievement of the project objectives. The recent digital transition, guided by Building Information Modeling (BIM), has promised the creation of a shared environment for the information created and exchanged during the entire process, in favor of collaboration and reduction of critical issues typical related to the sector. Despite the initial promises, the use of BIM has shown problems related to trust and transparency of information, not encouraging participants to collaborate in meeting common goals. For these reasons, the study aims to investigate the potential of Blockchain technology in the management of the information flow to ensure transparency and stability of the process. The research proposes four frameworks showing how Blockchain can be integrated with the construction contract to support the execution of each phase, highlighting the improvement of information sharing, traceability of each activity or service and support for collaboration.
Nicola Moretti, Juan Diego Blanco Cadena, Antonino Mannino, Tiziana Poli · 5 authors
Occupancy monitoring in smart buildings has great potential to improve their operational performance. One of the most common applications concerns the dynamic adaptation of indoor conditions according to the occupancy variation. However, other implementations are possible. Occupancy data could also enhance maintenance smart contracts management, especially if coupled with a contracts’ management system as blockchain through which it is possible to achieve higher reliability and trust in transactions. In this article, a methodology to monitor occupancy data with a low-cost network, composed by a set of ultrasonic sensors, is presented. To ensure the collection of consistent data, different tests were performed for defining a convenient configuration for their installation. Following the proposed methodology, gathered data are processed and stored into a digital asset model associated with the building maintenance plan. Once a predefined threshold is reached, the system triggers a maintenance alert to the contractor to activate cleaning operations. The proposed approach enables an enhancement of the automation of maintenance management operations in a cost-effective manner. However, further validation trials are required to test the flexibility of its application in different space types.
Konstantina Siountri, Emmanouil Skondras, Dimitrios D. Vergados
Building information modeling (BIM) is a revolutionary technology that provides all the necessary mechanisms to achieve end-to-end communication, data exchange and information sharing between project actors, leading to smarter outcomes for communities and more efficient projects for AEC service providers. 3D models generated in the context of engaging in the BIM process and as-delivered physical assets through building management systems (BMS) adopt Internet of Things (IoT) architectures and services. However, the orchestration of IoT devices in a highly modular environment with many moving parts and inter-dependencies between the stakeholders of this environment, lead to many security issues. This article focuses on applying novel technologies in the construction industry, such as BIM, IoT, and Blockchain, but also on examining their interconnection and interoperability on a proposed system architecture on a case of a building (museum), where efficient security, management and monitoring are considered crucial factors for the unobstructed operation of the organization that hosts.
Marijana Srećković, Goran Šibenik, Thomas Preindl, Wolfgang Kästner · 5 authors
The increasing digitalization and thus evidently advancing change in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, requires new business models, processes and strategies. Blockchain (BC), smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps) are still underused in AEC. BC and its potential of inclusion into the communication between project stakeholders has shown that it is not just a technology that is ready to use, but requires a thorough insight into the design process of domain-specific stakeholders, their interests and their collaboration workflows for a holistic Building Information Modeling (BIM) and BC-supported solution for the design phase. This paper introduces process modeling of BIM-workflows in the design phase. We propose a conceptual framework for the implementation of a design process with BC based on the integration of three underlying theories: design theory, configuration theory and task-technology fit. The main assumption is, before we can capture processes (1) we need to understand them (design theory) in order to re-engineer them for distributed ledger technologies (DLT) (2) we need to adapt them to changing requirements (configuration theory), and finally (3) continually re-adjust Information Technology (IT) and processes interdependence (task-technology fit).
Purpose This study explores the use of Blockchain technology as a new solution to many current problems in construction information management. The study shows that Blockchain has the potential to address several issues such as confidentiality, provenance tracking; monitoring channel and ledger metrics; disintermediation; non-repudiation; change tracing; multiparty aggregation; traceability inter-organizational recordkeeping; and data ownership. Design A systematic analysis of a paper published, “Potentials of Blockchain Technology for Construction Management,” is offered. The structured results are provided for the purpose of contributing to the discussion of the topic. Findings The results of this study shows that the suitable position for the integration of Blockchain is the interface-points of the transaction processing component of the Building Information Modeling server. This technology also can help in controlling and fingerprinting all information exchanges and communication. The conclusion drawn from the study provides a foundation from which further research can be developed. Originality and Value The findings of this study will help construction project managers and senior executives with a deeper understanding of Blockchain technology and its long-term implications for the construction industry; coupled with knowledge of its relationship to other emerging technologies such as BIM. Propositions for smart contracts deployment and further research are suggested.
Samad M. E. Sepasgozar, Reyhaneh Karimi, Sara Shirowzhan, Mohammad Mojtahedi · 6 authors
Delay is one of the main challenges of construction projects, and there is still much to overcome in order to reach near zero delay in all construction projects. This project aims to conduct a systematic critical review including a bibliography analysis on delay literature in construction. The main questions consider what has been learnt from a decade investigating delay causes and effects in the construction literature and what factors have been missed in the literature. This paper also presents a new and challenging question regarding how digital tools and associated technologies may prevent any delay in construction projects, which can change the research direction from delay investigations to identifying prevention factors. The paper identifies the delay dataset, including 493 papers investigating delay in construction, and establishes a specific dataset of papers focusing on delay effects and causes (DEC), including 94 selected papers covering different factors examined in over 29 countries such as Iran, India, Turkey, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Cambodia, Oman, Malaysia, Taiwan, China, Vietnam, the US, the UK, and Egypt. In addition, the paper identifies 30 critical factors with the frequency of occurrences over three times in the DEC dataset and computes their medians of ranking. This paper also discusses digital tools and methods that can be used for delay analysis and preventions, including MS Project, Oracle Primavera P6, and Open Plan by Deltek. The paper discusses the project schedule delay analysis from project management methodology perspectives. It also discusses the current method’s limitations and future directions, which are based on the identification of the deficiency areas. In total, four overlooked factors are identified and suggested, including faulty data analysis, unmatched structure of the research questionnaires with new knowledge and standards [e.g., Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)], overlooked effects of digital technologies [e.g., Digital twin, Navisworks, Building Information Model (BIM), Geographic Information System (GIS), and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)], and ignored job-site technologies. In addition, the paper presents the DEC model for future studies, including four main key factors. These factors are resources (e.g., project budgets, labour, material, equipment, and digital tool), project context, stakeholders performance (e.g., owner/client, consultant/designer, contractor, vendor/supplier), and external factors (e.g., ground condition, site location, regulation, natural disaster), which may significantly affect delay prevention and should be concurrently considered in the future delay investigations, since they may be required for designing an effective mitigation strategy when these proof points are identified. This would significantly help to utilise digital systems to prevent time overruns in different construction contexts.
Abstract Ensuring sustainability for real estate is subject - among other aspects - to building related information. This information needs to be stored and updated continuously throughout the life cycle of a building. A delivery to buyers, tenants, consultants or other actors must be possible at any time. However, in most cases transactions cause significant loss of information while the issues associated with the “building passport” approach remains unsolved to date. Considering the long service life of buildings, various questions arise: (1) How to support data generation and storage within the life cycle and how to encourage actors to compete? (2) How to assure a high data quality and how to store it over a long period of time? (3) How to assure that all data users can track down the data owners at any point of time to manage compliance and legal issues? (4) Are there any new business models or new scopes for designers or other service providers? Information needs of actors along the life cycle are analysed and new information technologies (e.g. blockchain) are discussed. A relation to Building Information Modeling (BIM) is shown. Potentials of enhancing existing approaches regarding documentation retracing and accessibility of building and life cycle related information by using new technologies and IT are discussed; benefits of using a blockchain based system is pointed out by referring to existing pilot projects and first examples. Solution approaches for building passports are shown.
Zhen Liu, Lijun Jiang, Mohamed Osmani, Peter Demian
At present, sustainable design is experiencing energy consumption and cost-effectiveness challenges in the building industry. A recent body of literature argues that the development of emerging smart digital technologies, such as Building Information Management (BIM) and blockchain (BC), offer immediate benefits to the industry. However, the current application of BIM and BC in the sustainable design and construction process focuses on smart energy and construction management, with little attention to addressing challenges for applying BIM to sustainable design and proposing strategies in terms of the usability of these technologies in the management of building construction projects. Therefore, this paper sets out to explore the potential roles of an integrated BIM and BC approach for sustainable building design information management. The first attempt is presented to use BC aided BIM for sustainable building design coordination and collaboration in multiple building stages. BC has the potential to address challenges that hinder the industry from using BIM for sustainable design, which has been unearthed. An innovative BC enhanced transaction process in BIM is required for sustainable building development. Roles of a user level driven smart contract system of BC can be used to enhance BIM system in the sustainable buildings process. The role of BC is primarily at user level driven smart contracts and their record value exchange capabilities. A user level (BIM stakeholders) driven BC technology for transaction in BIM process flow is revealed, and the user level (sustainable building design project stakeholders/BIM clients) driven and the smart contract enabled BIM+ BC architecture to address challenges of BIM for sustainable design has been further circulated according to the literature. Subsequently, a conceptual architecture of BIM + BC for Sustainable Building Design Information Management Framework in building project management has been proposed, validated, and refined. The Framework has two level encompassing structures and flow. The high-level framework is focused on strategy, whilst the low-level framework demonstrates technical components in detail. This architecture supporting project stakeholders in managing information, has the potential to achieve and ensure the realization of sustainable design goals through the interactive realization of smart contracts integrated into the user level driven BIM + BC system and its recording value exchange function through three user-driven levels, namely user, system, and transaction.
Information exchange among architects, contractors, and clients is found to be limited and not completely digital, which creates difficulty in tracking and analyzing the generated unstructured data. Design drawings are developed during the design phase, but not transparently shared among contractors, due to the fear of uncertain changes in design without knowing who changed the designed element and what element is been modified, which can lead to disputes. Blockchain technology enables the transaction of digital information, and revolutionizing different industries like banking, crypto exchanges, insurance, etc., due to its decentralized, encrypted, and secured functionality. This paper proposes the potential application of blockchain technology in design development phase of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) processes by developing a blockchain framework. In this research, the design data generated from design development software and its log files are categorized, and flow of data encryption is determined by using blockchain concepts in order to have a secure ledger, which has the potential to provide a validation to an argument of disputes. The expected contribution of this proposed research is to create a framework to track and register the design commands and events in a secured, transparent, and collaborative platform. The anticipated benefits of this research include the record of proof of work and the mitigation of disputes and litigations related to design defects which includes design error and omissions and construction defects which includes either replacement or modifications in design, resulting to change orders and monetary losses.
Algan Tezel, Eleni Papadonikolaki, İbrahim Yitmen, Per Hilletofth
Blockchain, a peer-to-peer controlled, distributed database structure, has the potential to profoundly affect \nthe current business transactions in the construction industry through smart contracts, cryptocurrencies, and \nreliable asset tracking. The construction industry has often been criticized for being slow in embracing \nemerging technologies and not effectively diffusing those technologies through its supply chains. Often, the \nextensive fragmentation, traditional procurement structures, destructive competition, lack of collaboration \nand transparency, low-profit margins and human resources are shown as the main culprits for this. As \nBlockchain makes its presence felt strongly in many other industries like finance and banking, this paper \ninvestigates how to prepare construction supply chains for Blockchain technology through an explorative \nanalysis. Empirical data for the study were collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 subject \nexperts and focus groups. Alongside presenting a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses opportunities, threats) \nanalysis, the paper exhibits the requirements for and steps toward a construction supply structure facilitated \nby Blockchain.