Adu-Amankwa, N. A. N. and Rahimian, F. (2026) Harnessing blockchain-enabled digital twins for building commissioning: Examining practitioners' perspectives. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(3), pp. 1891-1906. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – The rapid technological advancements in the Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Facility Management (AEC-FM) sector highlight the need to explore emerging technologies for improving the Building Commissioning (BCx) process, a critical phase in a building's lifecycle. However, limited research in this area and the sector's preference for traditional methods hinder awareness of these technologies. This paper aims to bridge this gap by examining the relevance and synergistic potential of Blockchain (BC) and Digital Twins (DT) to enhance BCx and the technology-driven considerations for their integration. Design/methodology/approach – The study employs a qualitative approach to gain insights from AEC-FM practitioners. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants, selected using purposeful sampling. Thematic analysis, aided by NVivo 12 software, was utilised to identify key themes regarding the relevance of BC-enabled DT and the technological considerations for effective implementation. Findings – The findings underscore the relevance of BC-enabled DTs in facilitating improved data accessibility, enhanced data security, better decision support, and real-time monitoring during BCx. Furthermore, the emerging insights emphasise the need to address technology-driven factors, including the availability of requisite infrastructure, seamless integration with existing systems and processes, and the scalability requirements essential for their effective deployment. Originality/value – The originality of this study lies in its exploration of the synergistic potential of BC and DT, emphasising their significance for BCx. The insights gained could prove pivotal in guiding stakeholders and policymakers toward effective adoption and implementation while also significantly aiding the industry's progress in digital transformation.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | blockchain; building commissioning; digital transformation; digital twins |
| Index terms: | qualitative approach, transformation, accessibility, implementation, blockchain, monitoring, emerging technology, lifecycle, sampling, interview, decision support, digital twin, preference, integration, methodology, exploration, commissioning, practitioner, thematic analysis |
| Subjects: | decision analysis, organizational analysis, methods and analysis, project delivery, computing systems, control systems, business, data collection methods, completion, inclusive design, research methods, decision-making and reasoning, contractual arrangements, innovation and technology management, environmental resource management, practitioner, digital engineering |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Project Management, Procurement, Sustainability, Risk Management, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Site Management, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions |
| 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