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AEC projects generate numerous versions of BIM models during the design and construction phases. This process is complicated by the sheer number of domains in large projects and the interlinkage of BIM deliverables (for example the structural BIM model follows the corresponding architectural BIM model). However, due to the generation of multiple versions and parallel design progress in different domains (especially in large projects), multi-domain delivery teams often fail to access and comply with the latest/required/approved design requirements during the progression of the design phase and complete issue addressing during the construction phase, which creates confusion, may lead to disputes. Moreover, due to the contractual nature of the parties involved data and process security is also very important. Therefore, this research presents blockchain-based secure coordination workflows for effective collaboration, parallel design progress, and issue management among BIM developers from multiple domains. Smart contract logic for facilitating dynamic dependency logic for coordinating linked multi-domain submission over the project timeline is presented. A method to ensure that issues are completely, and timely addressed, and related parties are held accountable for their actions or non-response is presented by integrating a BIM change identifier and blockchain in typical issue management workflows. The method considers collaborative design and issue management workflows for the secure, efficient, and complete design of BIM models. The method is validated using an ongoing large construction project in Hong Kong more...

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing has become increasingly significant in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. However, the AEC industry faces challenges such as non-uniform standards, complex information sources, and data security concerns when collecting and verifying ESG data. At the same time, as one of the key points of carbon emission in AEC projects, the ESG management of construction projects is still lacking. This paper proposed a blockchain-based ESG data management framework, which designed to address these challenges in the AEC industry. The framework and the smart contract and transaction data model applied in it realize data collection and information verification in construction projects. By leveraging blockchain technology's key features of transparency, immutability, and traceability, the framework ensures secure and efficient ESG data management. Additionally, the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) technology enables access to original files for data verification and comparison, further enhancing authenticity. By integrating blockchain and IPFS technologies, our proposed solution enhances the reliability and traceability of ESG data in the construction projects, paving the way for more sustainable and transparent practices more...

Implementing blockchain benefits various construction management processes, such as securing payments, enabling traceable design process, and enhancing information transparency in supply chain. However, blockchain implementation in construction is still in its infancy due to weak functionality of smart contracts, which are self-enforceable programs allowing iteration between external data and blockchain. In the context of construction management that embraces complex and dynamic business processes, smart contracts are currently designed based on specific and isolated functional requirements without considering the connection and execution logic between these functions. It leads to inefficient collaboration and even execution errors, thereby corrupting data quality and even causing business failure. Therefore, this paper proposes a Blockchain-BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) integrated (BBI) framework for construction management. The framework poses two contributions. First, a BPMN-driven method is developed to design smart contracts supporting executing linked and logically connected business activities. Second, an access control strategy is integrated into smart contracts to safeguard the accessibility of sensitive business data in a blockchain environment. The BBI framework is validated in an actual BIM design collaboration scenario, and results show its feasibility and computational performance are acceptable. Several aspects for improvement and future directions are discussed in the end more...

A crucial action of COVID-19 combat is the quick design and building of makeshift hospitals (MHs). Although adopting building information modeling (BIM) promotes the digitalization and communication of design collaboration, data security vulnerabilities (e.g., lacking traceability and transparency) are detected and have inevitably impeded the efficiency and productivity of the MH project. Such problems often lead to rework and unnecessary disputes, wasting valuable time on projects requiring ultra-fast construction speed. The emerging blockchain technology offers an immutable and traceable collaboration environment. However, limited studies have integrated blockchain in the BIM design process, especially design in emergency projects like MH. Therefore, this paper proposes a blockchain-enabled collaboration (BEC) framework for fast and secure BIM design. The framework is illustrated in an actual MH project in Hong Kong, and results show that: (1) it supports secure and automated BIM data exchange and (2) it saves 23 % of the time in a design coordination case more...