Technical Papers
Aug 24, 2023

A Blockchain-Based Parametric Model Library for Knowledge Sharing in Building Information Modeling Collaboration

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 149, Issue 11

Abstract

A building lifecycle consists of multiple domains, and building information modeling (BIM) applications involve cross-domain knowledge exchange. In the knowledge spiral theory proposed by Nonaka, externalization facilitates knowledge exchange in designing cooperation, and a model library (ML) contains the necessary information for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. However, current MLs are centralized systems that are vulnerable to data tampering and copyright disputes, and the provided models may not match the requirements of current building projects. Therefore, this article develops a blockchain-based parametric ML (BBPML) for BIM collaboration to realize knowledge sharing. The parametric model in our ML can be flexibly applied to a project by adjusting the parameters. A blockchain network provides reliable storage and ensures the upload sequence. The research creates a website based on the proposed system through Ethereum and applies it to a curtain wall project.

Practical Applications

This article applies the nonaka knowledge spiral theory to improve building information modeling (BIM) cooperation. A blockchain-based model library (ML) is proposed to facilitate knowledge sharing in BIM projects. The system records the building knowledge through a blockchain network to ensure the building knowledge is immutable and quickly traceable in the upload sequence. Our approach has been practiced in a physical curtain project and allows for better BIM collaboration.

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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. All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article. Some or all data, models, or code used during the study were provided by a third party. Direct requests for these materials may be made to the provider as indicated in the Acknowledgements.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering and the Department of Architecture at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. We extend special thanks to Gomore Building Envelope Technology Company Ltd. for participating in the research discussion. In addition, the author would like to thank the reviewers in advance for their suggestions and comments (contact Email: [email protected]).

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Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 149Issue 11November 2023

History

Received: Aug 23, 2022
Accepted: May 10, 2023
Published online: Aug 24, 2023
Published in print: Nov 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Jan 24, 2024

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Ph.D. Student, Dept. of Architecture, National Taiwan Univ. of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8277-3960. Email: [email protected]
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Electronic and Computer Engineering, National Taiwan Univ. of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan (corresponding author). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9875-7647. Email: [email protected]
Graduate Student, Dept. of Electronic and Computer Engineering, National Taiwan Univ. of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2023-0116. Email: [email protected]

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