TY - JOUR
T1 - Blockchain–BIM integration in construction
T2 - a systematic literature review of workflows, mechanisms, and platforms
AU - Hijazi, Amer A.
AU - Alashwal, Ali
AU - Shishehgarkhaneh, Milad Baghalzadeh
AU - Calheiros, Rodrigo N.
PY - 2026
Y1 - 2026
N2 - The integration of Blockchain with Building Information Modelling (BIM) addresses persistent challenges of transparency, accountability, interoperability, and trust in construction. Yet, systematic insights into Blockchain–BIM implementation remain limited. This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), identifying six lifecycle stages where integration occurs, supported by 29 workflows and 30 technical methods. Applications include blockchain-secured design reviews, provenance tracking, automated procurement, smart payments, and immutable handover records. BIM data types—design metadata, cost and schedule data, IoT evidence, and compliance records—are mapped to smart contract functions and blockchain platforms. Key mechanisms such as hybrid on/off-chain storage, cryptographic hashing, access controls, and watermarking are comparatively analyzed. Results show permissioned platforms (e.g., Hyperledger Fabric) enable controlled collaboration, while public ones (e.g., Ethereum) support transparency and tokenisation. The review provides a structured taxonomy and conceptual framework to advance theory and guide Blockchain–BIM adoption in complex construction projects.
AB - The integration of Blockchain with Building Information Modelling (BIM) addresses persistent challenges of transparency, accountability, interoperability, and trust in construction. Yet, systematic insights into Blockchain–BIM implementation remain limited. This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), identifying six lifecycle stages where integration occurs, supported by 29 workflows and 30 technical methods. Applications include blockchain-secured design reviews, provenance tracking, automated procurement, smart payments, and immutable handover records. BIM data types—design metadata, cost and schedule data, IoT evidence, and compliance records—are mapped to smart contract functions and blockchain platforms. Key mechanisms such as hybrid on/off-chain storage, cryptographic hashing, access controls, and watermarking are comparatively analyzed. Results show permissioned platforms (e.g., Hyperledger Fabric) enable controlled collaboration, while public ones (e.g., Ethereum) support transparency and tokenisation. The review provides a structured taxonomy and conceptual framework to advance theory and guide Blockchain–BIM adoption in complex construction projects.
KW - Blockchain
KW - Building Information Modelling (BIM)
KW - Data Integrity and Trust
KW - Smart Contracts
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105028392964&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jobe.2026.115388
DO - 10.1016/j.jobe.2026.115388
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105028392964
SN - 2352-7102
VL - 120
JO - Journal of Building Engineering
JF - Journal of Building Engineering
M1 - 115388
ER -