Blockchain-Based Material Passports: A Review of Managing Built Asset Information for Material Circularity

Material circularity in construction requires material information at the end of life for the trading of materials. Different digital technologies (DTs) are essential for such information management. This research aims to review key aspects of developing a blockchain-based material passports (MPs) system when integrating with key DTs used for MPs. This research is based on a critical literature review, with an integrative approach that synthesises both academic and grey literature. The literature search was initiated using chosen keywords relevant to the topic to first identify the key literature. This was followed by using a snowballing technique to expand the search with further relevant literature. Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twin (DTw) and blockchain technology (BCT) were identified as key technologies for material information management. BIM and DTw are central to the management process as all the information created and collected is modelled, visualised, analysed and stored using BIM platforms. However, existing MP platforms utilising centralised databases to store data were found to be unreliable for managing material data in an industry like construction with a dispersed supply chain and typically longer lifecycle. BCT was realised as necessary for information management in construction, as it allows us to manage information in a more decentralised, transparent and immutable manner. Furthermore, examining current research about blockchain application for information management in construction led to the conclusion that, although the studies on blockchain-based MP platforms covering the entire industry supply chain prevail, the management of material data at the built asset level throughout its lifecycle using such MP systems is underexplored. Thus, building on the literature review, a conceptual model of blockchain-based MP system is proposed in this paper, describing integration with BIM and DTw, and with relevant processes and actors to manage MP information throughout the building lifecycle. Acknowledging the limitations of a subjective literature review, the conceptual model and the ideas are proposed as a foundation for further research and develop MP system with empirical validation. Although theoretically, this study identifies the suitability of blockchain technology for managing product lifecycle information in industry like construction and provides ground for further theoretical research for planning and policy required for blockchain-based MP development and implementation.