Blockchain in the built environment and construction industry: A systematic review, conceptual models and practical use cases

Abstract

Identifies recent challenges facing the construction industry and recognises current attempts of exploring distributed ledger technology (DTL) as part of the solution to some of these challenges.  Performs a systematic review of DLT uses in the built environment and construction industry and identifies seven distinct areas of applications.  Introduces an extended socio-technical framework for implementation of DLT into the construction industry including two conceptual models: the DLT Four-Dimensional Model, and the DLT Actors Model.  Compiles an extensive list of challenges and opportunities presented by DLT across the four dimensions (technical, process, policy, social) to offer a state-of-the-art review of its current state.  Presents a decision support tool to appraise the suitability of use cases for DLT applications and demonstrates it with three use cases.

Digital Twin: Values, Challenges and Enablers From a Modeling Perspective

“…In the context of digital twin where traceability and security of information is of utmost importance, blockchain is foreseen to play an important role. Mandolla et al [100] gives a nice insight into the exploitation of blockchain technology in building a digital twin for additive manufacturing with focus on aircraft industry, and Li et al [101] introduces an extended socio-technical framework for the implementation of blockchain into the construction industry. The authors in [102] propose a blockchain based searchable encryption for electronic health record sharing.…”

A roadmap to achieving readiness for macro adoption of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in the construction industry

“…[9] add "the lack of tangible benefits for all parties involved or the understanding of the business value of BIM; the lack of experience within the workforce; the lack of universal use; the resistance to change; the contract type/project delivery method inhibiting technology adoption, and time and cost" (p. 9). While these are BIM-specific, each was identified as a possible barrier to adoption of DLT in construction and were central to developing a framework for implementation of DLT as seen in [4].…”

“…This paper contributes to the body of research through proposal of a roadmap for achieving readiness for adoption of DLT in the construction industry. This a continuation of the extended socio-technical framework developed in [4] that assimilates four dimensions of technical, policy, process and social, and proposes two models -DLT Four-Dimensional Model and DLT Actors Model. A roadmap for new technologies is both a strategic and operational approach to support organisations and industries in charting technology issues relevant to their future success [5].…”

“…This a continuation of the extended socio-technical framework developed in [4] that assimilates four dimensions of technical, policy, process and social, and proposes two models -DLT Four-Dimensional Model and DLT Actors Model. A roadmap for new technologies is both a strategic and operational approach to support organisations and industries in charting technology issues relevant to their future success [5]. This is done by assessing current readiness models and roadmaps for new technology in construction and other industries, which were used as a basis for development of the DLT Roadmap for construction.…”

“…For the purpose of this study, each of the terms' definitions are clarified: macro defines the scope of adoption which is at the industry scale within one defined market (e.g. a country) and includes the different user groups (individuals, organisational departments/teams, entire organisations, inter-organisational projects) such as those identified in the DLT Actors Model [4]. This study does not differentiate between these groups, it considers them as a whole making up the industry at the macro scale.…”