Modelling Exchange with Blockchain for the Collaborative Design of a Building Envelope in BIM

The main challenge in using building information modelling (BIM) is the centralised collaborative framework in the various design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, RHINO, and ArchiCAD) used by professionals across various disciplines, which causes difficulties during data exchange. The existing framework may increase the project lead time, require more effort, and result in design conflicts and misunderstandings. Thus, this paper has proposed a dynamic information storage with blockchain system (DISBS) using a physical curtain wall project for practical implementation. In addition, this paper has further discussed the linkages and verified and analysed the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Through the DISBS proposed in this research, the characteristics and achievable functions of blockchain technology are presented. Various applications for the field of construction engineering are highly developable within this research. The DISBS can improve not only the management quality of construction projects, but also promote mutual trust in the construction industry and optimize architecture, engineering, and construction (AECO) productivity.