Guest editorial: Blockchain and building information management: digital construction transformation

Citation

Abrishami, S., Elghaish, F., Brooks, T. and Talebi, S. (2024), "Guest editorial: Blockchain and building information management: digital construction transformation", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-01-2024-276

The construction industry stands on the brink of a digital revolution. Building information modelling (BIM), which has been at the forefront of this shift, is a process and technology introduced to the construction industry to digitalise its processes and tasks (Abrishami et al., 2020; Zhao, 2017). Over the last decade, BIM has gained additional features through integration with other technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of things (IoT), blockchain and immersive technologies. Blockchain technology has received significant attention in recent years for its potential to improve data management in the construction industry (Elghaish et al., 2023; Scott et al., 2021).

This special issue, Blockchain and building information management: digital construction transformation, showcases ten seminal papers that collectively present a comprehensive exploration of the digital construction transformation. Each contribution is a pivotal piece of the larger puzzle, revealing the multifaceted implications of blockchain integration in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.

Yitmen (2024) takes a pioneering step by examining how blockchain can underpin the data provenance of digital twins—a digital representation of a physical building facility, enabling predictive asset management. This approach advocates for a shift towards proactive maintenance strategies, ensuring that the performance and operational efficiency of building facilities can be accurately predicted and optimised over time.

In a collaborative study, Hellenborn et al. (2024) delve into asset information requirements, focussing on blockchain-based digital twins. Their research offers insight into how data-driven predictive analytics can be leveraged to enhance decision-making processes. They emphasise the importance of detailed and structured asset information to fully exploit the capabilities of blockchain in the realm of digital twins.

Gharaibeh et al. (2024) developed a conceptual framework aimed at opening new horizons for researchers with regard to the application of Industry 4.0 technologies in digitising the supply chain processes within the wood construction industry. Furthermore, the study evaluates the existing level of digitalisation in construction supply chains through a thematic analysis of the available literature, while also mapping out the prevailing trends in research areas.

Ghansah and Lu (2024) broaden our perspective by highlighting the key opportunities that digital twins present for smart buildings. Through a detailed scientometric and content analysis, they provide a scholarly overview of the field, outlining the significant trends and research directions that are shaping the future of smart building management.

Rodrigo et al. (2024) address the broader application of digital technologies, advocating for their role in advancing the principles of the circular economy within the construction industry. Their research presents a forward-looking approach, suggesting how the industry can leverage digital tools to create more sustainable and efficient processes, thereby contributing to a more resource-conscious world.

Kiu et al. (2024) explored the current limitations of employing traditional electronic document management (EDM) within the construction industry. The study highlighted various challenges, including system maturity, high costs, slow technology adoption and security concerns. Researchers conducted interviews with professionals to evaluate the potential of integrating blockchain technology to enhance the existing EDM system. The focus areas for improvement encompass data integrity, data tracking, data immutability, data security, data trustability and data accountability. Experts acknowledge considerations such as costs, blockchain scalability and industry knowledge before proceeding with the development of a blockchain-based EDM system.

Given the strong recommendation to transition towards adopting the circular economy concept within the construction industry, particularly by facilitating circular supply chain processes (Elghaish et al., 2023), learning from other industries like the automotive sector becomes crucial. In a special issue, Bajar et al. (2024) assessed the barriers to implementing blockchain technology for reverse logistics and categorised them into five areas: operational and strategic, technical, knowledge and behavioural, financial and infrastructural, and government rules and regulations. This study underscored that the primary advantage of embracing blockchain lies in its capacity to manage vast amounts of data, thereby enabling the automation of reverse logistics tasks to enhance the client experience.

Talla and McIlwaine (2024) explored the application of Industry 4.0 technologies during the initial design phase to decrease construction waste and enhance the retrieval, reuse and recycling of construction materials. Various data collection methods, including interviews and questionnaires, were employed. The study's findings indicate that incorporating a diverse array of technologies, such as the IoT and blockchain, will effectively facilitate the adoption of circular design principles in the construction industry. This, in turn, will lead to improved rates of material recycling and a reduction in avoidable construction waste.

Faris et al. (2024) developed a framework to enhance collaboration in the construction industry through distributing the factors of collaboration over the project lifecycle stages in accordance with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work (2007). Moreover, this study proposed appointing a collaboration champion at the beginning of the project to ensure all collaboration factors during all delivery stages are considered properly.

Obi et al. (2024) evaluated the role of adopting problem-based learning (PBL) to accelerate BIM based on a case study of 53 undergraduate students in a BIM module. The network analysis and centrality measures were employed in understudying the most applicable BIM skills.

Collectively, these papers not only reflect the current state of research in blockchain and BIM but also offer visionary insights into the future of digital construction. As we contemplate the integration of these technologies, we stand on the precipice of a new era in construction—one that promises increased efficiency, enhanced collaboration and unprecedented levels of transparency and trust. It is with great pride that we present this special issue, which we believe will serve as a cornerstone for future exploration and innovation in the smart and sustainable built environment.