Rajak, S. and Vimal, K. E. K. (2026) Blockchain-based time impact analysis method for sustainable delay management in EPC projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 152(6): 04026074, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Delays in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects lead to disputes and cost overruns, exacerbated by the shortcomings of traditional time impact analysis (TIA) in transparency, security, and sustainability. This study introduces a novel solution: The blockchain-based time impact analysis method (BTIAM). The BTIAM framework integrates blockchain, smart contracts, and the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) to create an immutable and auditable system for delay management. Its effectiveness was validated through a retrospective case study analysis of historical data from three large-scale EPC projects. Key findings include a reduction of delay claim processing time by as much as 89%, a reduction of dispute resolution time by as much as 76%, and an increase of cost efficiency by as much as 77%. Additionally, the integration of a novel sustainability impact metric (SIM) demonstrated a potential 70% reduction in the environmental impacts of delays. The main implication of this research is that the BTIAM provides a viable framework for more efficient, transparent, and sustainable delay analysis practices, offering a significant improvement over traditional methods.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | and construction (EPC) project; blockchain; construction; delay analysis methods; engineering; procurement; project schedule; sustainability; time impact analysis |
| Index terms: | case study, impact analysis, transparency, dispute, effectiveness, delay analysis, cost overrun, environmental impact, blockchain, resolution, smart contract, integration, cost efficiency |
| Subjects: | economics, dispute resolution, organizational analysis, project controls, data analysis and analytics, computing systems, environmental impact, digital technology, data collection methods, professional development, conflict resolution, performance management, financial and cost management |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Organizational Design, Stakeholder Management, Sustainability, Legal Issues, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Time Control, Information Management, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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