Abstract
Onsite assembly is a critical stage for modular construction. Its success or failure depends on accurate information sharing among numerous stakeholders who, unfortunately, often possess unsynchronized information. Owing to its decentralized consensus mechanism, blockchain has the potential to improve information-sharing accuracy on construction sites. However, little research has documented how this can be done. Adopting a design science research (DSR) method, this study aimed to explore the use of blockchain technology to improve information-sharing accuracy in the onsite assembly of modular construction (OAMC). First, an OAMC business process analysis was conducted to understand the issues leading to information sharing, in particular its accuracy. Then, a blockchain-based conceptual model was developed. Its components, such as membership registration, information sharing-request, ordering service, consensus mechanism, and distributed storage, were described. Finally, a prototype system was developed and validated in a mock-up OAMC. The results show that the prototype system can improve the accuracy of information sharing in OAMC by allowing project participants to endorse information about the modules and their assembly through the blockchain’s consensus mechanism. This study explores and implements blockchain technology in a specific construction area. It can serve as a valuable reference for future endeavors in harnessing the power of blockchain technology, particularly for mobilizing information endorsement mechanisms for various value-added applications.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This work is funded by the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) (Project No. ITP/029/20LP).
References
Chen, P. W., B. S. Jiang, and C. H. Wang. 2017. “Blockchain-based payment collection supervision system using pervasive bitcoin digital wallet.” In Proc., IEEE 13th Int. Conf. on Wireless and Mobile Computing, Networking and Communications, 139–146. New York: IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/WiMOB.2017.8115844.
Das, M., H. Luo, and J. C. Cheng. 2020. “Securing interim payments in construction projects through a blockchain-based framework.” Autom. Constr. 118: 103284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103284.
Demiralp, G., G. Guven, and E. Ergen. 2012. “Analyzing the benefits of RFID technology for cost sharing in construction supply chains: A case study on prefabricated precast components.” Autom. Constr. 24 (Jul): 120–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2012.02.005.
Diallo, N. et al. 2018. “eGov-DAO: A better government using blockchain based decentralized autonomous organization.” In Proc., Int. Conf. on eDemocracy & eGovernment, 166–171. New York: IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICEDEG.2018.8372356.
Dorri, A., M. Steger, S. S. Kanhere, and R. Jurdak. 2017. “Blockchain: A distributed solution to automotive security and privacy.” IEEE Commun. Magazine 55 (12): 119–125. https://doi.org/10.1109/MCOM.2017.1700879.
Dounas, T., and D. Lombardi. 2018. “A CAD-blockchain integration strategy for distributed validated digital design.” In Vol. 1 of Proc., 36th Int. Conf. on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, 223–230. Fargo, ND: Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture.
Elghaish, F., M. R. Hosseini, S. Matarneh, S. Talebi, S. Wu, I. Martek, and N. Ghodrati. 2021. “Blockchain and the ‘Internet of Things’ for the construction industry: Research trends and opportunities.” Autom. Constr. 132 (Dec): 103942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103942.
Gong, P., Y. Teng, X. Li, and L. Luo. 2019. “Modeling constraints for the on-site assembly process of prefabrication housing production: A social network analysis.” Sustainability 11 (5): 1387. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11051387.
Hamledari, H., and M. Fischer. 2021. “The application of blockchain-based crypto assets for integrating the physical and financial supply chains in the construction & engineering industry.” Autom. Constr. 127 (Jul): 103711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103711.
Hasan, H. R., and K. Salah. 2018. “Proof of delivery of digital assets using blockchain and smart contracts.” IEEE Access 6 (Oct): 65439–65448. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2018.2876971.
Hijazi, A. A., S. Perera, R. N. Calheiros, and A. Alashwal. 2021. “Rationale for the integration of BIM and blockchain for the construction supply chain data delivery: A systematic literature review and validation through focus group.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 147 (10): 03121005. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002142.
Huang, S., G. Wang, Y. Yan, and X. Fang. 2020. “Blockchain-based data management for digital twin of product.” J. Manuf. Syst. 54 (Jan): 361–371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2020.01.009.
Hunhevicz, J. J., and D. M. Hall. 2020. “Do you need a blockchain in construction? Use case categories and decision framework for DLT design options.” Adv. Eng. Inf. 45 (Aug): 101094. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2020.101094.
Hyperledger Fabric. 2020. “Glossary.” Accessed April 15, 2020. https://hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.htm.
Kuhn, M., F. Funk, and J. Franke. 2021. “Blockchain architecture for automotive traceability.” Procedia CIRP 97 (Jan): 390–395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2020.05.256.
Lee, D., and S. Lee. 2021. “Digital twin for supply chain coordination in modular construction.” Appl. Sci. 11 (13): 5909. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11135909.
Lee, D., S. H. Lee, N. Masoud, M. S. Krishnan, and V. C. Li. 2021. “Integrated digital twin and blockchain framework to support accountable information sharing in construction projects.” Autom. Constr. 127 (Jul): 103688. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103688.
Lewis-Beck, M., A. E. Bryman, and T. F. Liao. 2004. The Sage encyclopedia of social science research methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412950589.
Li, C. Z., F. Xue, X. Li, J. Hong, and G. Q. Shen. 2018a. “An internet of things-enabled BIM platform for on-site assembly services in prefabricated construction.” Autom. Constr. 89 (May): 146–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.01.001.
Li, J., D. Greenwood, and M. Kassem. 2019a. “Blockchain in the built environment and construction industry: A systematic review, conceptual models and practical use cases.” Autom. Constr. 102 (Jun): 288–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.02.005.
Li, J., and M. Kassem. 2021. “Applications of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchain-enabled smart contracts in construction.” Autom. Constr. 132 (Dec): 103955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103955.
Li, X., G. Q. Shen, P. Wu, H. Fan, H. Wu, and Y. Teng. 2018b. “RBL-PHP: Simulation of lean construction and information technologies for prefabrication housing production.” J. Manage. Eng. 34 (2): 04017053. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000577.
Li, X., G. Q. Shen, P. Wu, and T. Yue. 2019b. “Integrating building information modeling and prefabrication housing production.” Autom. Constr. 100 (Apr): 46–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.12.024.
Li, X., C. Wu, P. Wu, L. Xiang, G. Q. Shen, S. Vick, and C. Z. Li. 2019c. “SWP-enabled constraints modeling for on-site assembly process of prefabrication housing production.” J. Cleaner Prod. 239 (Dec): 117991. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.117991.
Li, X., L. Wu, R. Zhao, W. Lu, and F. Xue. 2021. “Two-layer adaptive blockchain-based supervision model for off-site modular housing production.” Comput. Ind. 128 (Jun): 103437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2021.103437.
Lu, W., X. Li, F. Xue, R. Zhao, L. Wu, and A. G. Yeh. 2021a. “Exploring smart construction objects as blockchain oracles in construction supply chain management.” Autom. Constr. 129 (Sep): 103816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103816.
Lu, W., L. Wu, R. Zhao, X. Li, and F. Xue. 2021b. “Blockchain technology for governmental supervision of construction work: Learning from digital currency electronic payment systems.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 147 (10): 04021122. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002148.
Luo, L., X. Jin, G. Q. Shen, Y. Wang, X. Liang, X. Li, and C. Z. Li. 2020. “Supply chain management for prefabricated building projects in Hong Kong.” J. Manage. Eng. 36 (2): 05020001. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000739.
Mondragon, A. E. C., C. E. C. Mondragon, and E. S. Coronado. 2018. “Exploring the applicability of blockchain technology to enhance manufacturing supply chains in the composite materials industry.” In Proc., IEEE Int. Conf. on Applied System Invention (ICASI), 1300–1303. New York: IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICASI.2018.8394531.
Perera, S., S. Nanayakkara, M. N. N. Rodrigo, S. Senaratne, and R. Weinand. 2020. “Blockchain technology: Is it hype or real in the construction industry?” J. Ind. Inf. Integr. 17 (Mar): 100125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jii.2020.100125.
Pop, C., T. Cioara, M. Antal, I. Anghel, I. Salomie, and M. Bertoncini. 2018. “Blockchain based decentralized management of demand response programs in smart energy grids.” Sensors 18 (2): 162. https://doi.org/10.3390/s18010162.
Pradeep, A. S. E., T. W. Yiu, Y. Zou, and R. Amor. 2021. “Blockchain-aided information exchange records for design liability control and improved security.” Autom. Constr. 126 (Jun): 103667. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103667.
Ravishankr, B., V. N. Shailaja, and M. Appaiah. 2020. “The study of blockchain technology in engineering development: The case of the clutch lever assembly.” In Proc., Int. Conf. on Mainstreaming Block Chain Implementation (ICOMBI), 1–4. New York: IEEE. https://doi.org/10.23919/ICOMBI48604.2020.9203079.
Sheng, D., L. Ding, B. Zhong, P. E. Love, H. Luo, and J. Chen. 2020. “Construction quality information management with blockchain.” Autom. Constr. 120 (Dec): 103373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103373.
Sirisha, N. S., T. Agarwal, R. Monde, R. Yadav, and R. Hande. 2019. “Proposed solution for trackable donations using blockchain.” In Proc., Int. Conf. on Nascent Technologies in Engineering (ICNTE), 1–5. New York: IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICNTE44896.2019.8946019.
Tao, X., M. Das, Y. Liu, and J. C. Cheng. 2021. “Distributed common data environment using blockchain and interplanetary file system for secure BIM-based collaborative design.” Autom. Constr. 130 (Oct): 103851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103851.
Tezel, A., P. Febrero, E. Papadonikolaki, and I. Yitmen. 2021. “Insights into blockchain implementation in construction: Models for supply chain management.” J. Manage. Eng. 37 (4): 04021038. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000939.
Wang, G., H. Zhang, B. Xiao, Y. C. Chung, and W. Cai. 2019. “EduBloud: A blockchain-based education cloud.” In Proc., Computing, Communications and IoT Applications, 352–357. New York: IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ComComAp46287.2019.9018818.
Wang, Z., T. Wang, H. Hu, J. Gong, X. Ren, and Q. Xiao. 2020. “Blockchain-based framework for improving supply chain traceability and information sharing in precast construction.” Autom. Constr. 111 (Mar): 103063. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.103063.
Wu, H., B. Zhong, H. Li, J. Guo, and Y. Wang. 2021. “On-site construction quality inspection using blockchain and smart contracts.” J. Manage. Eng. 37 (6): 04021065. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000967.
Xue, F., and W. Lu. 2020. “A semantic differential transaction approach to minimizing information redundancy for BIM and blockchain integration.” Autom. Constr. 118 (Oct): 103270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103270.
Yang, R., R. Wakefield, S. Lyu, S. Jayasuriya, F. Han, X. Yi, X. Yang, G. Amarasinghe, and S. Chen. 2020. “Public and private blockchain in construction business process and information integration.” Autom. Constr. 118 (Oct): 103276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103276.
Zhai, Y., K. Chen, J. X. Zhou, J. Cao, Z. Lyu, X. Jin, G. Q. Shen, W. Lu, and G. Q. Huang. 2019. “An internet of things-enabled BIM platform for modular integrated construction: A case study in Hong Kong.” Adv. Eng. Inf. 42 (Oct): 100997. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2019.100997.
Zhang, Z., Z. Yuan, G. Ni, H. Lin, and Y. Lu. 2020. “The quality traceability system for prefabricated buildings using blockchain: An integrated framework.” Front. Eng. Manage. 7 (4): 528–546. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42524-020-0127-z.
Zhong, B., H. Wu, L. Ding, H. Luo, Y. Luo, and X. Pan. 2020. “Hyperledger fabric-based consortium blockchain for construction quality information management.” Front. Eng. Manage. 7 (4): 512–527. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42524-020-0128-y.
Zhou, J. X., G. Q. Shen, S. H. Yoon, and X. Jin. 2021. “Customization of on-site assembly services by integrating the internet of things and BIM technologies in modular integrated construction.” Autom. Constr. 126 (Jun): 103663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103663.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 29, 2021
Accepted: Dec 3, 2021
Published online: Feb 28, 2022
Published in print: May 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Jul 28, 2022
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.
Cited by
- Ilias Krystallis, Zine Al Abidine Laraqui Mahi, Francesco Di Maddaloni, Flexible Infrastructure Design: A Real Options Reasoning Approach to Navigating Uncertainty in Large-Scale Projects, Journal of Management in Engineering, 10.1061/JMENEA.MEENG-5678, 40, 3, (2024).
- Haitao Wu, Pan Zhang, Heng Li, Botao Zhong, Shengyu Guo, Ivan W. H. Fung, Yiu Yin Lee, Blockchain Impact on Construction Quality Management and Its Adoption Analysis: A Game Theory–Based Method, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-14306, 150, 6, (2024).
- Shishu Ding, Hao Hu, Zhenyu Chai, Wen Wang, Secure and Formalized Blockchain-IPFS Information Sharing in Precast Construction from the Whole Supply Chain Perspective, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-13547, 150, 1, (2024).
- Y. Dong, Y. Hu, S. Li, J. Cai, Z. Han, BIM and Blockchain-Based Automatic Asset Tracking in Digital Twins for Modular Construction, Computing in Civil Engineering 2023, 10.1061/9780784485231.060, (501-508), (2024).
- Milad Baghalzadeh Shishehgarkhaneh, Robert C. Moehler, Sina Fard Moradinia, Blockchain in the Construction Industry between 2016 and 2022: A Review, Bibliometric, and Network Analysis, Smart Cities, 10.3390/smartcities6020040, 6, 2, (819-845), (2023).
- Liupengfei Wu, Weisheng Lu, Chen Chen, Strengths and weaknesses of client-server and peer-to-peer network models in construction projects, International Journal of Construction Management, 10.1080/15623599.2023.2185950, (1-15), (2023).
- Mohamad Abdul Nabi, Amr Elsayegh, Islam H. El-adaway, Understanding Collaboration Requirements for Modular Construction and Their Cascading Failure Impact on Project Performance, Journal of Management in Engineering, 10.1061/JMENEA.MEENG-5440, 39, 6, (2023).
- Gongfan Chen, Min Liu, Huaming Li, Simon M. Hsiang, Ashtad Jarvamard, Motivating Reliable Collaboration for Modular Construction: Shapley Value–Based Smart Contract, Journal of Management in Engineering, 10.1061/JMENEA.MEENG-5428, 39, 6, (2023).
- Purva Gupta, Kumar Neeraj Jha, A Decentralized and Automated Contracting System Using a Blockchain-Enabled Network of Stakeholders in Construction Megaprojects, Journal of Management in Engineering, 10.1061/JMENEA.MEENG-5366, 39, 4, (2023).
- Dan-Yi Wang, Xueqing Wang, Supply Chain Consequences of Government Subsidies for Promoting Prefabricated Construction and Emissions Abatement, Journal of Management in Engineering, 10.1061/JMENEA.MEENG-5285, 39, 5, (2023).
- See more