Hijazi, A A; Perera, S; Calheiros, R N and Alashwal, A (2023) A data model for integrating BIM and blockchain to enable a single source of truth for the construction supply chain data delivery. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(10), pp. 4645-4664. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Despite a large amount of BIM data at the handover stage, it is still difficult to identify and effectively isolate valuable construction supply chain (CSC) data that need to be reliably handed over for operation. Moreover, the role of reconciling disparate data is usually played by one party. The integration of blockchain and BIM is a plausible framework for building a reliable digital asset lifecycle. This paper proposes a BIM single source of truth (BIMSSoT) data model using blockchain for ensuring a reliable CSC data delivery. Design/methodology/approach: This paper utilises a blended methodology, the foundation of which is ingrained in business and management research with elements of information and communication technology (ICT) research wherever required. Knowledge elicitation case studies utilising novel interventions such as a data flow diagram (DFD), taxonomy and entity-relationship diagram (ERD) were used in this paper to develop the BIMSSoT data model. The model was validated using an expert forum, and its technological feasibility was established by developing a proof of concept. Findings: The practical contribution of this research leads to the progression of BIM towards digital engineering to go beyond object-based 3D modelling by building structured and reliable datasets, transitioning from project-centric records to a digital ecosystem of linked databases by utilizing blockchain's potential for ensuring trusted data. Originality/value: To the best of the author's knowledge, prior to this paper, no research had investigated a detailed data model development leveraging blockchain and BIM to integrate an immutable and complete record of CSC data as another dimension of BIM for operations.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | blockchain; building information modeling; data flow diagram; entity-relationship diagram; reliable digital deliverable; taxonomy |
| Index terms: | blockchain, dimension, 3D modelling, taxonomy, construction supply chain, lifecycle, database, case study, building information modelling, dataset, integration, data model, methodology, management research, information and communication technology |
| Subjects: | research methods, information systems, organizational analysis, data management, construction logistics, computing systems, computational design, data collection methods, research design and methodology, data science, data analysis and analytics, project delivery, health monitoring assessment and metrics |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Research Practice, Project Management, Digital Applications, Supply Chain Management, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here