Decentralised automated BIM collaboration: a blockchain and WBS integrated platform

Abstract

Purpose

In the current era of technological advancement, the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is undergoing a radical transformation, prompting researchers to explore new breakthroughs that can revolutionise the construction process. This paper delves into the use of cutting-edge technologies such as building information management (BIM), blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), along with advanced management techniques such as work breakdown structure (WBS) and Agile thinking, to enhance the industry’s efficiency, productivity, quality and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, the pressing need for a sustainable, secure and transparent sector amplifies the significance of the proposed research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s research approach comprises an intensive literature review to construct a conceptual framework, followed by an exploratory questionnaire to validate the framework.

Findings

This paper demonstrates how blockchain combined with a WBS and a BIM platform may boost collaboration in order to experience efficient and trusted workflow scenarios that can overcome many of the challenges given in a traditional building technique. The research findings emphasise the benefits of the proposed new mentality approach, which incorporates all of the previously described tools/techniques to the business.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the advantages of leveraging a combination of blockchain, WBS and BIM platforms to boost collaboration and enable efficient and trustworthy workflow scenarios that can surmount the difficulties inherent in traditional AEC industry collaboration methods.

Originality/value

This study provides original insights into the challenges and opportunities of using blockchain for AEC collaboration, by exploring the potential of decentralised blockchain networks to improve the security, efficiency and transparency of collaborative data sharing and management.

Citation

Stas, S. and Abrishami, S. (2024), "Decentralised automated BIM collaboration: a blockchain and WBS integrated platform", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-08-2023-0238