Zabihi Kolaei, A; Khanzadi, M and Ghodrati Amiri, G (2026) Integration of augmented reality and blockchain technologies for visualizing and documenting change orders in a building project: Case study. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 152(2): 04025251, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Construction projects will inevitably experience changes and modifications, which frequently result in disputes and interruptions. Despite the fact that the construction industry has made progress, the approaches that are now being used to manage change orders are still insufficient. This study presents a novel framework that combines augmented reality (AR) and blockchain technologies, which are both technologies that are associated with Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 technologies, to enhance the identification and documentation of change orders as well as a more comprehensive understanding of their combined effect on change order management. Also, adopting a multitechnology approach enhances the economic efficiency of using technologies, expands the range of applications, and improves project conditions. Hence, the new framework facilitates the visualization of design modifications through augmented reality and securely records stakeholder approvals and disapprovals using blockchain, ensuring an immutable and transparent decision-making record. The framework's efficacy was evaluated in a real-world building project case study compared to the traditional method. An evaluation of the duration of the implementation was carried out, and the cognitive load of the participants was evaluated using the NASA TLX questionnaire. The results of these evaluations indicated that the new framework reduces the amount of time required, particularly for individuals who possess higher academic qualifications and related software experience. Conversely, individuals lacking these qualifications experienced increased implementation times and higher frustration levels. According to the feedback from participants regarding the new framework, the advantages are classified into implementation and usability, data management, and efficiency in project management, while technological requirements, user adoption challenges, and financial and operational risks are considered the three disadvantage groups. This study introduces a technology-driven framework aimed at enhancing change order management and outlines potential avenues for further investigation.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | augmented reality; blockchain; change order management; claim; construction industry; data flow diagram; smart contract |
| Index terms: | investigation, project management, blockchain, implementation, smart contract, duration, construction industry, case study, design modification, qualification, industry 4.0, efficiency, change order, data management, dispute, augmented reality, questionnaire, integration, decision-making, construction project, visualization, change order management, approval, documentation, usability |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, decision analysis, data management, project controls, organizational analysis, project management theory and practice, professional development, contractual condition, performance management, design practice, technology adoption, dispute resolution, computing systems, user-centered design, data collection methods, contract management, design changes, production management, educational resources, contractual arrangements, visualization, digital technology, contractual role |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Digital Applications, Contract Administration, Time Control, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Information Management, Legal Issues, Quality Management, Education, Project Management, Risk Management, Procurement |
| 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