Alnahari, Mohammed Saeed (2023) Exploring the potential of blockchain technology for improved management and safety of underground utilities. PhD thesis, Arizona State University, USA.
Abstract
The management of underground utilities is a complex and challenging task due to the uncertainty regarding the location of existing infrastructure. The lack of accurate information often leads to excavation-related damages, which pose a threat to public safety. In recent years, advanced underground utilities management systems have been developed to improve the safety and efficiency of excavation work. This dissertation aims to explore the potential applications of blockchain technology in the management of underground utilities and reduction of excavation-related damage. The literature review provides an overview of the current systems for managing underground infrastructure, including Underground Infrastructure Management (UIM) and 811, and highlights the benefits of advanced underground utilities management systems in enhancing safety and efficiency on construction sites. The review also examines the limitations and challenges of the existing systems and identifies the opportunities for integrating blockchain technology to improve their performance. The proposed application involves the creation of a shared database of information about the location and condition of pipes, cables, and other underground infrastructure, which can be updated in real time by authorized users such as utility companies and government agencies. The use of blockchain technology can provide an additional layer of security and transparency to the system, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the information. Contractors and excavation companies can access this information before commencing work, reducing the risk of accidental damage to underground utilities.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Ariaratnam, Samuel T |
| Index terms: | government agency, management system, public safety, construction site, literature review, accuracy, damages, excavation, efficiency, underground infrastructure, utilities, database, real time, dissertation, transparency, blockchain |
| Subjects: | work location, data analysis and analytics, computing systems, dispute resolution, data management, project controls, emergency and crisis management, infrastructure and transport systems, administrative law, management, performance management, professional development, construction operations, construction type, research dissemination and communication |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Time Control, Site Management, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Information Management, Construction Technology, Legal Issues, Quality Management, Health and Safety, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCA |
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