Ensuring trusted and traceable construction certifications with blockchain : a conceptual model

Significant failures in buildings are reported due to poor design, non-compliance to standards, and inadequate oversight, testing, and certification. Clearly traceable inspections, tests, and certifications are required to deter future failures and identify responsible negligent parties. Blockchain provides a secure, decentralised electronic ledger, which prevents unauthorised data manipulation and presents an audit trail with transparency of activities. Blockchain also contains smart contracts that can automatically execute on fulfilment of specified conditions. This paper proposes a conceptual model for a blockchain-based framework to ensure trusted and traceable certifications of construction work, materials, and related payments. The conceptual model was developed based on a critical literature review and problem analysis. Issues related to certifications, limitations of existing software systems in the construction industry, and the suitability of blockchain as a solution were identified from the literature. The conceptual model presents the stakeholders involved in certification, the high-level processes and types of construction certifications, and a blockchain framework to manage the certifications. The blockchain framework comprises of an integrated data model, process model, blockchain prototype, and distributed applications. The conceptual model was validated through an expert forum consisting of industry practitioners. The blockchain framework is expected to enhance the trust and traceability of certification data, thereby allowing the identification of reliable contractors and consultants to improve the performance of the construction industry with fewer defects and building failures.