Leveraging Blockchain Technology in a BIM Workflow: A Literature Review

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) involves the exchange of models and information between stakeholders and within collaborating teams. This information is prone to contractual, legal, security and system issues amongst others. The existing practices aim to address a digital concept such as BIM with solutions from the paper world – contracts and other documents, which do not solve the problem completely. A recent advancement in database management – Blockchain Technology (BCT) aims to provide a new stream of solutions to industries across various sectors. BCT is a system of recording a database that stores information chronologically and distributes a copy of it over a network of computers that maintain its authenticity and security collectively. This paper first reviews the literature on the issues of information exchange in a BIM workflow and next explores the concept of BCT and its connection with BIM. The literature indicates that BCT shows high potential for solving challenges during the design phase of the project by clarifying liabilities, increasing the reliability of information and enhancing the security of information flow. Its ability to incorporate self-executing contracts enable many more applications around ownership and payments. Finally, the paper discusses a few of its challenges with scalability, user acceptance amongst others.