Blockchain-based information framework for change management in EPC general contracting projects

Abstract

Change management is an essential component of Engineering-Procurement-Construction (EPC) project, which is the process of gathering data on change orders, examining the information in change reports, revising related drawings, and updating cost data resulting from changes. Nevertheless, the current information system for change management is primarily centralized, relying on external parties, opaque in its information, lacking trustworthiness, and prone to data loss. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes a blockchain-based information management system for managing change information in EPC general contracting projects. Blockchain is used to automate the review processes for changes, ensuring transparency, decentralization, and resistance to tampering. This proposed framework addresses the security, transparency, tamper-resistance, and reliability shortcomings of conventional methods by harnessing the inherent advantages of blockchain, smart contracts, decentralized IPFS storage, and building information model (BIM) integration. Subsequently, utilizing the Hyperledger Fabric platform, an information management system was developed to store and manage data about modifications. The proposed system was validated using actual change data from EPC general contracting projects, which demonstrated the efficacy of blockchain technology in ensuring the security and authenticity of change data. This advancement enhances the security of change data and augments the efficiency of change management practices in EPC projects.