Contained in:
Book Chapter

Enhancing Collaboration with Blockchain-Enabled Digital Twins: Perspectives from Stakeholders in the Built Environment

  • Nana Akua Adu-Amankwa
  • Farzad Pour Rahimian
  • Nashwan Dawood

This study explores the potential of Blockchain (BC)-enabled Digital Twins (DT) using qualitative semi-structured interviews to investigate the perception of stakeholders in the Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Facility Management (AEC-FM) industry on the relevance of BC-enabled DTs in augmenting stakeholder collaboration. The findings revealed that most interviewees perceived the potential of a BC-enabled DT in fostering stakeholder collaboration, leading to enhanced project delivery. Some participants viewed affordability drivers, whilst some highlighted the desire to fulfil client demands as influencing drivers for BC-enabled DT implementation in the AEC-FM industry. The study’s empirical findings align with evidence from other industrial sectors, proving that BC can ensure data integrity in a decentralised peer-to-peer framework, whilst DTs can leverage that data for effective and reliable decision-making. In the AEC-FM industry, these technologies are nascent; however, their potential integration could tackle critical issues regarding stakeholder collaboration and information fragmentation, leading to value generation in a decentralised and immutable manner. This study offers insights into implementation strategies for a BC-enabled DT collaborative environment and contributes to accelerating the industry’s approach to digital transformation

  • Keywords:
  • digital twins,
  • blockchain,
  • drivers,
  • collaboration,
+ Show More

Nana Akua Adu-Amankwa

Teesside University, United Kingdom - ORCID: 0000-0002-9297-5934

Farzad Pour Rahimian

Teesside University, United Kingdom - ORCID: 0000-0001-7443-4723

Nashwan Dawood

Teesside University, United Kingdom - ORCID: 0000-0002-4873-7576

  1. Abideen, D. K., Yunusa-Kaltungo, A., Manu, P., & Cheung, C. (2022). A Systematic Review of the Extent to Which BIM Is Integrated into Operation and Maintenance. Sustainability 2022, Vol. 14, Page 8692, 14(14), 8692-8692. DOI: 10.3390/SU14148692
  2. Adu-Amankwa, N. A., Rahimian, F., & Dawood, N. (2022). Digital Twin and Blockchain Applications For The Built Environment: A Systematic Review. 22nd International Conference on Construction Applications of Virtual Reality,
  3. Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press. https://global.oup.com/ukhe/product/social-research-methods-9780199689453?cc=gb&lang=en&
  4. Che Ibrahim, C. K. I., Mohamad Sabri, N. A., Belayutham, S., & Mahamadu, A. (2019). Exploring behavioural factors for information sharing in BIM projects in the Malaysian construction industry. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 9(1), 15-28.
  5. Chen, Q., Feng, H., & Garcia de Soto, B. (2022). Revamping construction supply chain processes with circular economy strategies: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 335, 130240. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.130240
  6. Cheng, M., & Chong, H. Y. (2022). Understanding the Determinants of Blockchain Adoption in the Engineering-Construction Industry: Multi-Stakeholders' Analyses. IEEE Access, 10, 108307-108319. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3213714
  7. Dudhee, V., & Vukovic, V. (2021). Building information model visualisation in augmented reality. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). DOI: 10.1108/SASBE-02-2021-0021
  8. EL Azzaoui, A., Kim, T. W., Loia, V., & Park, J. H. (2021). Blockchain-based secure digital twin framework for smart healthy city. Advanced Multimedia and Ubiquitous Engineering: MUE-FutureTech 2020,
  9. Elghaish, F., Pour Rahimian, F., Hosseini, M. R., Edwards, D., & Shelbourn, M. (2022). Financial management of construction projects: Hyperledger fabric and chaincode solutions. Automation in Construction, 137, 104185-104185. DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104185
  10. Gan, V. J., Deng, M., Tan, Y., Chen, W., & Cheng, J. C. (2019). BIM-based framework to analyze the effect of natural ventilation on thermal comfort and energy performance in buildings. Energy Procedia, 158, 3319-3324.
  11. Hellenborn, B., Eliasson, O., Yitmen, I., & Sadri, H. (2023). Asset information requirements for blockchain-based digital twins: a data-driven predictive analytics perspective. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment. DOI: 10.1108/sasbe-08-2022-0183
  12. Huang, S., Wang, G., Yan, Y., & Fang, X. (2020). Blockchain-based data management for digital twin of product. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 54, 361-371. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsy.2020.01.009
  13. Ibrahim, C. K. I. C., & Belayutham, S. (2019). Towards successful social collaboration in BIM-based construction: A review. MATEC Web of Conferences,
  14. Jiang, Y., Li, M., Guo, D., Wu, W., Zhong, R. Y., & Huang, G. Q. (2022). Digital twin-enabled smart modular integrated construction system for on-site assembly. Computers in Industry, 136, 103594-103594. DOI: 10.1016/j.compind.2021.103594
  15. Khajavi, S. H., Motlagh, N. H., Jaribion, A., Werner, L. C., & Holmstrom, J. (2019). Digital Twin: Vision, Benefits, Boundaries, and Creation for Buildings. IEEE Access, 7, 147406-147419. DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2946515
  16. Kim, K., Lee, G., & Kim, S. (2020). A Study on the Application of Blockchain Technology in the Construction Industry. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 24(9), 2561-2571. DOI: 10.1007/s12205-020-0188-x
  17. Kiu, M. S., Lai, K. W., Chia, F. C., & Wong, P. F. (2022). Blockchain integration into electronic document management (EDM) system in construction common data environment. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). DOI: 10.1108/SASBE-12-2021-0231
  18. Koolwijk, J. S. J., van Oel, C. J., Wamelink, J. W. F., & Vrijhoef, R. (2018). Collaboration and integration in project-based supply chains in the construction industry. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(3), 04018001.
  19. Lee, D., Lee, S. H., Masoud, N., Krishnan, M. S., & Li, V. C. (2021). Integrated digital twin and blockchain framework to support accountable information sharing in construction projects. Automation in Construction, 127, 103688-103688. DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103688
  20. Li, L., Yuan, J., Tang, M., Xu, Z., Xu, W., & Cheng, Y. (2021). Developing a BIM-enabled building lifecycle management system for owners: Architecture and case scenario. Automation in Construction, 129. DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103814
  21. Lu, Q., Xie, X., Parlikad, A. K., Schooling, J. M., & Konstantinou, E. (2021). Moving from building information models to digital twins for operation and maintenance. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Smart Infrastructure and Construction, 174(2), 46-56. DOI: 10.1680/jsmic.19.00011
  22. Newman, C., Edwards, D., Martek, I., Lai, J., Thwala, W. D., & Rillie, I. (2021). Industry 4.0 deployment in the construction industry: a bibliometric literature review and UK-based case study. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 10(4), 557-580. DOI: 10.1108/sasbe-02-2020-0016
  23. Olanipekun, A. O., & Sutrisna, M. (2021). Facilitating Digital Transformation in Construction—A Systematic Review of the Current State of the Art. Frontiers in Built Environment, 7, 96-96. DOI: 10.3389/fbuil.2021.660758
  24. Opoku, D.-G. J., Perera, S., Osei-Kyei, R., & Rashidi, M. (2021). Digital twin application in the construction industry: A literature review. Journal of Building Engineering, 40, 102726-102726. DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102726
  25. Opoku, D. G. J., Perera, S., Osei-Kyei, R., Rashidi, M., Famakinwa, T., & Bamdad, K. (2022). Drivers for Digital Twin Adoption in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Literature Review. Buildings, 12, 113. DOI: 10.3390/buildings12020113
  26. Oraee, M., Hosseini, M. R., Edwards, D., & Papadonikolaki, E. (2021). Collaboration in BIM-based construction networks: a qualitative model of influential factors. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management. DOI: 10.1108/ecam-10-2020-0865
  27. Orji, I. J., Kusi-Sarpong, S., Huang, S., & Vazquez-Brust, D. (2020). Evaluating the factors that influence blockchain adoption in the freight logistics industry. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 141, 102025. DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2020.102025
  28. Pour Rahimian, F., Dawood, N., Ghaffarianhoseini, A., & Ghaffarianhoseini, A. (2022). Guest editorial: Enabling the development and implementation of digital twins. Construction Innovation, 22(3), 405-411. DOI: 10.1108/CI-07-2022-247
  29. Prebanić, K. R., & Vukomanović, M. (2021). Realizing the need for digital transformation of stakeholder management: A systematic review in the construction industry. Sustainability, 13(22), 12690.
  30. Rao, A. S., Radanovic, M., Liu, Y., Hu, S., Fang, Y., Khoshelham, K., Palaniswami, M., & Ngo, T. (2022). Real-time monitoring of construction sites: Sensors, methods, and applications. Automation in Construction, 136, 104099. DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2021.104099
  31. Rind, M., Hyder, M., Saand, A. S., Alzabi, T., Nawaz, H., & Ujan, I. (2017). Impact Investigation of perceived cost and perceived risk in mobile commerce: analytical study of Pakistan. International Journal of Computer Science and Network Security, 17(11), 124-130.
  32. Sahal, R., Alsamhi, S. H., Brown, K. N., O’shea, D., McCarthy, C., & Guizani, M. (2021). Blockchain-empowered digital twins collaboration: Smart transportation use case. Machines, 9(9), 193-193. DOI: 10.3390/machines9090193
  33. Saldaña, J. (2021). The coding manual for qualitative researchers (4th ed.). SAGE Publications Ltd.
  34. Sarfaraz, A., Chakrabortty, R. K., & Essam, D. L. (2023). AccessChain: An access control framework to protect data access in blockchain enabled supply chain. Future Generation Computer Systems, 148, 380-394. DOI: 10.1016/j.future.2023.06.009
  35. Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students (8th ed.). Pearson Education.
  36. Shen, W., Hu, T., Zhang, C., & Ma, S. (2021). Secure sharing of big digital twin data for smart manufacturing based on blockchain. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 61, 338-350. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsy.2021.09.014
  37. Suhail, S., Hussain, R., Jurdak, R., Oracevic, A., Salah, K., Hong, C. S., & Matulevičius, R. (2022). Blockchain-based digital twins: research trends, issues, and future challenges. ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR), 54(11s), 1-34.
  38. Talla, A., & McIlwaine, S. (2022). Industry 4.0 and the circular economy: using design-stage digital technology to reduce construction waste. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment. DOI: 10.1108/sasbe-03-2022-0050
  39. Tao, F., Zhang, Y., Cheng, Y., Ren, J., Wang, D., Qi, Q., & Li, P. (2022). Digital twin and blockchain enhanced smart manufacturing service collaboration and management. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 62, 903-914. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsy.2020.11.008
  40. Teisserenc, B., & Sepasgozar, S. (2021). Adoption of Blockchain Technology through Digital Twins in the Construction Industry 4.0: A PESTELS Approach. Buildings, 11(12), 670-670. DOI: 10.3390/buildings11120670
  41. Teisserenc, B., & Sepasgozar, S. M. E. (2022). Software Architecture and Non-Fungible Tokens for Digital Twin Decentralized Applications in the Built Environment. Buildings, 12(9), 1447-1447. DOI: 10.3390/buildings12091447
  42. Toufaily, E., Zalan, T., & Dhaou, S. B. (2021). A framework of blockchain technology adoption: An investigation of challenges and expected value. Information & Management, 58(3), 103444.
  43. Wang, Z., Wang, T., Hu, H., Gong, J., Ren, X., & Xiao, Q. (2020). Blockchain-based framework for improving supply chain traceability and information sharing in precast construction. Automation in Construction, 111, 103063.
  44. Xie, H., Xin, M., Lu, C., & Xu, J. (2023). Knowledge map and forecast of digital twin in the construction industry: State-of-the-art review using scientometric analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production, 383, 135231. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135231
  45. Xie, X., Lu, Q., Rodenas-Herraiz, D., Parlikad, A. K., & Schooling, J. M. (2020). Visualised inspection system for monitoring environmental anomalies during daily operation and maintenance. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 27(8), 1835-1852. DOI: 10.1108/ecam-11-2019-0640
  46. Yang, M., Fu, M., & Zhang, Z. (2021a). The adoption of digital technologies in supply chains: Drivers, process and impact. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 169, 120795.
  47. Yang, M., Fu, M., & Zhang, Z. (2021b). The adoption of digital technologies in supply chains: Drivers, process and impact. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 169, 120795-120795. DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2021.120795
  48. Yin, R. K., & Campbell, D. T. (2018). Case study research and applications: design and methods (6th ed.). Sage Publications.
  49. Zhang, P., Wu, H., Li, H., Zhong, B., Fung, I. W., & Lee, Y. Y. R. (2023). Exploring the adoption of blockchain in modular integrated construction projects: A game theory-based analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production, 408, 137115.
  50. Zhao, J., Feng, H., Chen, Q., & Garcia de Soto, B. (2022). Developing a conceptual framework for the application of digital twin technologies to revamp building operation and maintenance processes. Journal of Building Engineering, 49, 104028-104028. DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104028
PDF
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • Pages: 298-308

XML
  • Publication Year: 2023

Chapter Information

Chapter Title

Enhancing Collaboration with Blockchain-Enabled Digital Twins: Perspectives from Stakeholders in the Built Environment

Authors

Nana Akua Adu-Amankwa, Farzad Pour Rahimian, Nashwan Dawood

DOI

10.36253/979-12-215-0289-3.28

Peer Reviewed

Publication Year

2023

Copyright Information

© 2023 Author(s)

Content License

CC BY-NC 4.0

Metadata License

CC0 1.0

Bibliographic Information

Book Title

CONVR 2023 - Proceedings of the 23rd International Conference on Construction Applications of Virtual Reality

Book Subtitle

Managing the Digital Transformation of Construction Industry

Editors

Pietro Capone, Vito Getuli, Farzad Pour Rahimian, Nashwan Dawood, Alessandro Bruttini, Tommaso Sorbi

Peer Reviewed

Publication Year

2023

Copyright Information

© 2023 Author(s)

Content License

CC BY-NC 4.0

Metadata License

CC0 1.0

Publisher Name

Firenze University Press

DOI

10.36253/979-12-215-0289-3

eISBN (pdf)

979-12-215-0289-3

eISBN (xml)

979-12-215-0257-2

Series Title

Proceedings e report

Series ISSN

2704-601X

Series E-ISSN

2704-5846

107

Fulltext
downloads

79

Views

Export Citation

1,343

Open Access Books

in the Catalogue

2,222

Book Chapters

3,790,127

Fulltext
downloads

4,410

Authors

from 923 Research Institutions

of 65 Nations

65

scientific boards

from 348 Research Institutions

of 43 Nations

1,248

Referees

from 381 Research Institutions

of 38 Nations