Abstract Heritage buildings are highly vulnerable to structural degradation due to aging materials, environmental exposure, and natural disasters, necessitating intelligent and real‐time monitoring solutions. The current study proposes a dew computing‐enabled digital twin framework integrated with Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) for structural risk evaluation and health prediction of heritage infrastructure. The framework combines Internet of Things‐based sensing, dew–fog–cloud computing architecture, blockchain‐based data security, and a hybrid deep learning model to enable efficient, low latency, and reliable monitoring. Temporal structural data are processed using a Convolutional Neural Network–Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) model for feature extraction and time‐series prediction of the Structural Health Index, while a Random Forest (RF) classifier categorizes structural risk into safe, degraded, and critical states. Shapley Additive explanations‐based XAI is incorporated to enhance interpretability and support expert decision‐making. Experimental evaluation on a simulated dataset of 45,212 instances demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The GRU‐based model achieves high prediction performance with an accuracy of 94.42%, sensitivity of 94.85%, specificity of 97.01%, and F1‐score of 94.43%. Regression analysis shows low prediction errors (Mean Absolute Error: 0.0158, Root Mean Squared Error: 0.0198) and a high coefficient of determination (), indicating strong agreement between predicted and actual structural states. The RF classifier further achieves 94.64% accuracy in structural risk classification. The framework exhibits low latency (~0.000195 s per sample), high reliability under noisy conditions (up to 99%), and strong scalability across increasing dataset sizes. Overall, the proposed system provides a robust, scalable, and interpretable solution for proactive Structural Health Monitoring and risk‐aware maintenance of heritage buildings, significantly improving real‐time decision‐making and long‐term conservation strategies.
Muhammad Hadi Mustafa, Choy Poh Keong, Chua Wen Xuan, Zulkiflee Abdul-Samad · 5 authors
The challenges in heritage building documentation and management in Malaysia highlight the need for a more secure and integrated digital framework. Although Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) has improved digital documentation and lifecycle management, current practices remain constrained by data fragmentation, limited transparency, and inefficient stakeholder collaboration. While blockchain technology offers considerable potential to enhance data security and trust, its integration with HBIM in heritage conservation projects remains underexplored. This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework in exploring the interrelated themes influencing the implementation of blockchain integration with HBIM in Malaysian projects. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry professionals, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The proposed conceptual framework is empirically informed by practitioner interviews, allowing the study to capture both technological possibilities and implementation realities within the Malaysian heritage project context. The findings suggest that blockchain-enabled HBIM has the potential to strengthen data integrity, transparency, traceability, stakeholder accountability, and lifecycle decision-making, although these benefits require further validation through pilot implementation. Future research should further validate the proposed framework through pilot projects, and blockchain governance guidelines tailored to the Malaysia’s heritage conservation sector.
Omer Aziz, Muhammad Shoaib Farooq, Junaid Nasir Qureshi, Muhammad Faraz Manzoor · 5 authors
(1) Background: A blockchain-based framework for distributed agile Open-Source Software for Archaeological Photogrammetry (OSSAP) testing life cycle is an innovative approach that uses blockchain technology to optimize the Open-Source Software for Archaeological Photogrammetry process. Previously, various methods have been employed to address communication and collaboration challenges in Open-Source Software for Archaeological Photogrammetry, but they were inadequate in aspects such as trust, traceability, and security. Additionally, a significant cause of project failure was the non-completion of unit testing by developers, leading to delayed testing. (2) Methods: This article discusses the integration of blockchain technology in Open-Source Software for Archaeological Photogrammetry and resolves critical concerns related to transparency, trust, coordination, testing and communication. A novel approach is proposed based on a blockchain framework named Open-Source Software for Archaeological Photogrammetry Testing-Plus. (3) Results: The Open-Source Software for Archaeological Photogrammetry Testing-Plus framework utilizes blockchain technology to provide a secure and transparent platform for acceptance testing and payment verification. Moreover, by leveraging smart contracts on a private Ethereum blockchain, Open-Source Software for Archaeological Photogrammetry Testing-Plus ensures that both the testing team and the development team are working towards a common goal and are compensated fairly for their contributions. (4) Conclusions: The experimental results conclusively show that this innovative approach substantially improves transparency, trust, coordination, testing and communication and provides security for both the testing team and the development team engaged in the distributed agile Open-Source Software for Archaeological Photogrammetry (Open-Source Software for Archaeological Photogrammetry) testing life cycle.
Giovanni De Gasperis, Sante Dino Facchini, Asif Saeed
In recent years, numerous regions worldwide have experienced devastating natural disasters, leading to significant structural damage to buildings and loss of human lives. The reconstruction process highlights the need for a reliable method to document and track the maintenance history of buildings. This paper introduces a novel approach for managing and monitoring restoring interventions using a secure and transparent digital framework. We will also present an application aimed at improving building structures with respect to earthquake resistance. The proposed system, referred as the “Building Ledger Dossier”, leverages a Digital Twin approach applied to blockchain to establish an immutable record of all structural interventions. The framework models buildings using OpenSees, while all maintenance, repair activities, and documents are registered as Non-Fungible Tokens on a blockchain network, ensuring timestamping, transparency, and accountability. A Decentralized Autonomous Organization oversees identity management and work validation, enhancing security and efficiency in building restoration efforts. This approach provides a scalable and globally applicable solution for improving both ante-disaster monitoring and post-disaster reconstruction, ensuring a comprehensive, verifiable history of structural interventions and fostering trust among stakeholders. The proposed method is also applicable to other types of processes that require the aforementioned properties for document monitoring, such as the life-cycle management of tax credits and operations in the financial or banking sectors.
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.
NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and blockchain are revolutionizing the art market by offering advantages in terms of traceability and authenticity of works. Through blockchain, every transaction is recorded transparently and immutably, ensuring provenance and control over the circulation of the artwork. NFTs certify the uniqueness of a digital work, acting as a guarantee of authenticity and tracking each ownership transfer. Additionally, NFTs enable the tokenization of art, breaking ownership into shares, making it accessible to a broader audience and creating new investment and engagement opportunities.
Lei Xu, Muhamad Fairus Kamaruzaman, Rusmawati Ghazali
This study explores the application and social impact of Non-Fungible Token (NFT) technology in preserving Chinese intangible cultural heritage, specifically Shu brocade patterns. Through a case study of the specific Shu brocade pattern “Falling Flowers and Flowing Water,” the research details the conversion process from physical Shu brocade to digital patterns and then to NFTs, including steps such as image acquisition, processing, vector reconstruction, and NFT minting. The findings indicate that NFT technology offers an innovative approach to preserving Shu brocade patterns, with the potential to reshape the value chain of traditional crafts. Simultaneously, this method has multifaceted impacts on the Shu brocade industry and cultural heritage preservation. This study not only provides a new perspective and practical reference for the preservation and inheritance of cultural heritage in the digital age but also makes a positive contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals regarding cultural heritage preservation.
Ömer Özeren, Bahar Sultan Qurraie, Mustafa Haki Eraslan
This study explores the integration of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) into architectural education to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the digital age. By incorporating NFT technology into the curriculum, the study aimed to foster a comprehensive understanding of digital design, intellectual property protection, and the potential of NFTs in preserving and promoting architectural heritage. The research found integrating NFTs empowered students to explore the intersection of art, technology, and commerce within the architectural realm. By transforming their designs into unique digital assets, students developed a deeper appreciation for their work’s commercial potential and the importance of intellectual property protection. The study demonstrated the role of NFTs in fostering networking opportunities, enabling students to connect with a wider audience and potential collaborators. To fully harness the potential of NFTs in architectural education, the study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that addresses ethical, legal, and environmental considerations. Educators must instil in students a strong sense of responsibility regarding the creation and utilization of digital assets, including copyright, licensing, and the environmental impact of blockchain technology. Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration is also crucial for equipping students with the diverse skill set required to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. By addressing these critical dimensions, architectural education can effectively prepare students to become proficient digital designers and informed participants in the evolving NFT ecosystem. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the role of technology in shaping the future of architecture and preserving cultural heritage.
Batik is an important part of Indonesia’s culture. It is known for its detailed repeating designs. Repeating designs are tough for designers, especially when they to mix in modern styles. Still, more people online are getting excited about making unique batik patterns. With new tech, like deep learning, things have changed. These models are doing better than the old ways for tasks like classifying images and recognizing objects. One cool tech, called pix2pix, helps turn one image into another using a method called Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (cGAN). It uses data sets with images along with their edge maps that get pulled using techniques like Canny Edge Detection in OpenCV. This means that it can help create complex batik designs. This study also looks at Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and how they can help sell and keep batik art safe. By turning batik designs into NFTs, artists can prove their work is accurate and connect with fans all over the world. This fresh idea not only keeps Indonesia’s rich culture alive but also lets people on the internet and batik lovers join in the creative fun. More chances exist for people to work together and explore digital art while saving their cultural heritage. Looking ahead, the Batik patterns created can become NFTs. This means that each Batik pattern’s uniqueness and ownership can be clearly shown through blockchain tech. It opens up a digital marketplace where folks can buy, sell, or collect these digital art pieces. Adding NFTs gives more value and realness to the Batik patterns made using advanced deep-learning methods. This broadens how this research could be used and its effect in the digital world.
This research paper thoroughly addresses the processes of digitizing ceramic art and offering it as Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs) for sale. It examines the effects of transitioning from traditional ceramic molding methods to modern 3D printing and Stereolithography (SLA) technologies on the digital transfer of ceramic works. A case study on the use of porcelain highlights thanks to white color the impact of material choice on aesthetics and functionality. The rise of digitalization and NFTs introduces new mechanisms for preserving the originality and ownership rights of works, while also discussing the technical challenges and ethical issues this process entails. The article evaluates the place and future of ceramic art in the digital age from both technical and cultural perspectives. Our research posits that the digitization of ceramic works opens new avenues for the preservation, dissemination, and commerce of art, and that this process could have profound effects on the future of ceramic art. This process attempts to determine how ceramic works gain presence in the digital realm and their position in the NFT market. However, this study is one of the first to cover the entire process of ceramic art digitization and to address stage with academic rigor. The process from the creation of the work to its digitization, NFT registration, and sale, is detailed in this study. Our work demonstrates that the process of digitizing ceramic art and offering it as NFTs can have significant impacts on the future of art. It sheds light on the future of ceramic art by presenting both the opportunities brought by digitalization and the challenges encountered, as well as potential solutions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance and potential of ceramic art in the digital age and aims to fill the gaps in this field.
Open access
3D Surveying and Cultural Heritage
3D Shape Modeling and Analysis
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies
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.
Omer Aziz, Muhammad Shoaib Farooq, Adel Khelifi, Mahdia Shoaib
Abstract The rapid evolution of the digital landscape has catalyzed the integration of blockchain technology within the domain of cultural heritage, particularly in virtual museums within the Metaverse. This study introduces ArchaeoMeta, a novel framework designed to leverage blockchain technology to enhance security, authenticity, and visitor interaction in a virtual museum environment. Utilizing smart contracts deployed on the Ethereum Sepolia testnet, the framework manages visitor interactions and secures digital artifacts, addressing challenges associated with scalability and user experience under varying loads. The performance evaluation involved simulating user interactions, scaling up to ten thousand concurrent users, to assess the impact on transaction latency, gas usage, and blockchain size. Findings reveal significant scalability challenges, as transaction latency and blockchain size increased with the number of users, highlighting areas for optimization in managing high user traffic within the blockchain infrastructure. This study contributes to the understanding of blockchain applications in cultural heritage, suggesting that while ArchaeoMeta offers a robust platform for virtual museums, enhancements in scalability through layer-2 solutions or alternative blockchain platforms are essential for its practical implementation. The framework sets a precedent for future research in the convergence of blockchain technology and cultural heritage preservation, promising a transformative impact on how digital cultural experiences are curated and consumed.
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.
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.
Feb 14, 2024·The international archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences/International archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences
Nikolai Abramov, Havana Lankegowda, Suo Liu, Luigi Barazzetti · 6 authors
Abstract. This research employs a digital strategy to counter rural population decline and urban migration by integrating drone photogrammetry, metaverse, and blockchain technology. The focus is creating detailed 3D models of the settlements, which are subsequently optimized for metaverse platforms such as Voxels and Mona. Voxels facilitates participatory design, utilizing voxel parcels and Rhino- Grasshopper to involve all the stakeholders for renovation design work. Mona transforms parameterized projects into an immersive virtual experience, fuelled by blockchain technology, providing non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces and economic transitions. These virtual and real realms serve purposes such as decision-making, cultural preservation, economy generation, and virtual tourism, fostering rural revival, virtual economy, and digital representation of real-world environments.
Digitization marks the initial phase of digital transformation, encompassing a spectrum of socio-technical developments that unfold thereafter. These processes are pivotal components within a broader domain that: 1) encompasses physical inspection methodologies, business models geared towards enhancing inspection efficiency, integrity engineering, and decision-making; and 2) furnishes invaluable data to enrich the design, production, and maintenance over the lifespan of cultural heritage artifacts. Vrana and Sing (2020) advocate for designating this domain as Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) 4.0, underscoring its characterization as "a suite of cyber-physical technologies." These technologies encompass Digital Twin (DT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Semantic Interoperability and Ontologies, Industry 4.0 Data Processing (Big Data Analysis), Blockchains, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and Artificial Intelligence. The concept of Digital Twin, introduced in 2003 at the University of Michigan during the Executive Course on Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), as articulated by Grieves (2014), holds particular significance. Glaessgen and Stargel (2012) subsequently advocated for Digital Twins to support the production of NASA and U.S. Air Force vehicles, envisioning them as enabling "integrated multiphysics, multiscale, probabilistic simulation of an as-built vehicle or system that utilizes the best available physical models, sensor updates, fleet history, etc." Within this framework, a methodology will be elucidated for devising and implementing innovative tools and techniques for digitizing and digitalizing attributes of cultural heritage items.
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.
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.