Decision-Making Framework for Implementing Blockchain in Building Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
Publication: Computing in Civil Engineering 2023
ABSTRACT
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that verifies and records transactions simultaneously across a computer network, offering data dependability, traceability, and immutability. It has gained attention in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry. However, to justify its deployment costs, it is essential to identify where blockchain can generate the most value. This study proposes that the operations and maintenance (O&M) phase of a building’s life cycle, which has a significant environmental, social, and economic impact, can yield a higher return for blockchain. A literature review was conducted to investigate the implementation of blockchain in AECO, revealing a need for more attention to O&M. Inspired by the insights from the review and existing blockchain deployment frameworks, a high-level decision-making framework for blockchain adoption in O&M was developed. The paper also discusses various opportunities, challenges, and future research questions for a successful implementation of blockchain in buildings’ O&M.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this chapter.
REFERENCES
Adel, K., Elkaheem, A., and Marzouk, M. (2022). Decentralizing construction AI applications using blockchain technology. Expert Systems with Applications, 194, 116548.
Ameyaw, E. E., Edwards, D. J., Kumar, B., Thurairajah, N., Owusu-Manu, D. G., and Oppong, G. D. (2023). Critical Factors Influencing Adoption of Blockchain-Enabled Smart Contracts in Construction Projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 149(3), 04023003.
Bell, E., Bryman, A., and Harley, B. (2019). Business Research Methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Bhattacharya, P., Saraswat, D., Dave, A., Acharya, M., Tanwar, S., Sharma, G., and Davidson, I. E. (2021). Coalition of 6G and blockchain in AR/VR space: Challenges and future directions. IEEE Access, 9, 168455–168484.
Dounas, T., Lombardi, D., and Jabi, W. (2022). Collective Digital Factories for Buildings: Stigmergic Collaboration Through Cryptoeconomics In: Dounas, T. and Lombardi, D. (eds.). Blockchain for Construction, 207–228. Springer, Singapore.
Elghaish, F., Hosseini, M. R., Kocaturk, T., Arashpour, M., and Ledari, M. B. (2023). Digitalised circular construction supply chain: An integrated BIM-Blockchain solution. Automation in Construction, 148, 104746.
Elghaish, F., Hosseini, M. R., Matarneh, S., Talebi, S., Wu, S., Martek, I., Poshdar, M., and Ghodrati, N. (2021). Blockchain and the ‘Internet of Things’ for the construction industry: research trends and opportunities. Automation in Construction, 132, 103942.
Hunhevicz, J., Dounas, T., and Hall, D. (2022). The Promise of Blockchain for the Construction Industry: A Governance Lens. In: Dounas, T. and Lombardi, D. (eds.). Blockchain for Construction, 5–33. Springer, Singapore.
Hunhevicz, J., and Hall, D. (2020). Do you need a blockchain in construction? Use case categories and decision framework for DLT design options. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 45, 101094.
Jeoung, J., Jung, S., Hong, T., and Choi, J.-K. (2022). Blockchain-based IoT system for personalized indoor temperature control. Automation in Construction, 140, 104339.
Jia, C., Ding, H., Zhang, C., and Zhang, X. (2021). Design of a dynamic key management plan for intelligent building energy management system based on wireless sensor network and blockchain technology. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 60, 337–346.
Jiang, Y., Liu, X., Wang, Z., Li, M., Zhong, R. Y., and Huang, G. Q. (2023). Blockchain-enabled digital twin collaboration platform for fit-out operations in modular integrated construction. Automation in Construction, 148, 104747.
Kifokeris, D., and Koch, C. (2022). The proof-of-concept of a blockchain solution for construction logistics integrating flows: Lessons from Sweden. In: Dounas, T. and Lombardi, D. (eds.). Blockchain in Construction, 113–137. Springer, Singapore.
Lee, D., Wen, L., Choi, J. O., and Lee, S. H. (2023). Sensor-Integrated Hybrid Blockchain System for Supply Chain Coordination in Volumetric Modular Construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 149(1), 04022147.
Li, J., Greenwood, D., and Kassem, M. (2019). Blockchain in the built environment and construction industry: A systematic review, conceptual models and practical use cases. Automation in construction, 102, 288–307.
Liu, H., Han, S. H., and Zhu, Z. (2023). Blockchain Technology toward Smart Construction: Review and Future Directions. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 149(3), 03123002.
Liu, Q., and Zou, X. (2019). Research on trust mechanism of cooperation innovation with big data processing based on blockchain. EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking, 2019, 1–11.
Liu, Z., Jiang, L., Osmani, M., and Demian, P. (2019). Building information management (BIM) and blockchain (BC) for sustainable building design information management framework. Electronics, 8, 724.
Lombardi, D., and Dounas, T. (2022). Decentralised Autonomous Organisations for the AEC and Design Industries. In: Dounas, T. and Lombardi, D. (eds.). Blockchain for Construction, 35–45. Springer, Singapore.
Mulligan, C., Scott, J. Z., Warren, S., and Rangaswami, J. (2018). Blockchain beyond the hype: A practical framework for business leaders. World Economic Forum, Cologny.
Nakamoto, S. (2008). Bitcoin: A peer-to-peer electronic cash system.
Nguyen, B., et al. (2019). Blockchain and the Built Environment. Arup, London.
Pedersen, A. B., Risius, M., and Beck, R. (2019). A Ten-Step Decision Path to Determine When to Use Blockchain Technologies. MIS Quarterly, 18(2), 99–115.
Sacks, R., Girolami, M., and Brilakis, I. (2020). Building information modelling, artificial intelligence and construction tech. Developments in the Built Environment, 4, 100011.
Scott, B. (2016). How can cryptocurrency and blockchain technology play a role in building social and solidarity finance?.
Scott, D. J., Broyd, T., and Ma, L. (2021). Exploratory literature review of blockchain in the construction industry. Automation in Construction, 132, 103914.
Suliyanti, W. N., and Sari, R. F. (2020). Blockchain-based implementation of building information modeling information using hyperledger composer. Sustainability, 13, 321.
Tezel, A., Febrero, P., Papadonikolaki, E., and Yitmen, I. (2021). Insights into Blockchain Implementation in Construction: Models for Supply Chain Management. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 37(4), 04021038.
Wadhwa, S. G. (2022). Empirical Analysis on Consensus Algorithms of Blockchain. In: Tavares J. M. R. S., Dutta P., Dutta S. and Samanta, D. (eds.). Cyber Intelligence and Information Retrieval (vol. 291), 507–514. Springer.
Webster, J., and Watson, R. T. (2002). Analyzing the past to prepare for the future: Writing a literature review. MIS Quarterly, 26(2), xiii–xxiii.
Weeks, D. J., and Leite, F. (2022). Minimizing Facility Corrective Maintenance: Benchmarking Preventative-to-Corrective Maintenance Ratios Using Maintenance Data and Building Age in Dormitories. Journal of Management in Engineering, 38(1), 04021086.
Xu, Y., Chong, H. Y., and Chi, M. (2022). Blockchain in the AECO industry: Current status, key topics, and future research agenda. Automation in Construction, 134, 104101.
Xu, Y., Tao, X., Das, M., Kwok, H. H. L., Liu, H., Wang, G., and Cheng, J. C. P. (2023a). Suitability analysis of consensus protocols for blockchain-based applications in the construction industry. Automation in Construction, 145, 104638.
Xu, S., Zhou, L., and Zou, P. X. W. (2023b). What influences stakeholders’ decision in adopting blockchain-based quality tracking systems in prefabricated construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-06-2022-0501.
Yates, J. K. (2014). Productivity Improvement for Construction and Engineering: Implementing Programs that Save Money and Time. ASCE Press, Reston.
Yoo, S. (2017). Blockchain based financial case analysis and its implications. Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 11(3), 312–321.
Yoon, J. H., and Pishdad-Bozorgi, P. (2022). State-of-the-Art Review of Blockchain-Enabled Construction Supply Chain. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 148(2), 03121008.
Zhang, X., Liu, T., Rahman, A., and Zhou, L. (2023). Blockchain Applications for Construction Contract Management: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 149(1), 03122011.
Zhao, R., Chen, Z., and Xue, F. (2023). A blockchain 3.0 paradigm for digital twins in construction project management. Automation in Construction, 145, 104645.
Zhou, Y., Ma, M., Tam, V. W. Y., and Le, K. N. (2023). Design variables affecting the environmental impacts of buildings: A critical review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 387, 135921.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Computing in Civil Engineering 2023
Pages: 493 - 500
History
Published online: Jan 25, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Architectural engineering
- Building information modeling
- Building management
- Buildings
- Business management
- Construction engineering
- Decision making
- Engineering fundamentals
- Information management
- Maintenance and operation
- Methodology (by type)
- Practice and Profession
- Research methods (by type)
- Structural engineering
- Structures (by type)
- Verification
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.