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. 2023 Jun 23;13(1):10217.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-37353-0.

A framework for smart construction contracts using BIM and blockchain

Mohamed A Kamel  1 , Emad S Bakhoum  2   3 , Mohamed M Marzouk  4
Affiliations

A framework for smart construction contracts using BIM and blockchain

Mohamed A Kamel et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Poor payment practices are perceived as one of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry. Since payments are issued according to project contract terms, the project's cash flow is inherently affected by the contract and how parties fulfill their obligations. This research proposes a framework for payment automation in construction projects to achieve smart construction contracts. Payments are automatically issued upon satisfying contract conditions using blockchain. Cryptocurrency is proposed to be utilized in the framework to execute the contract terms with no need for a third party to process project payments. 5D BIM is used to model the geometry of buildings and visualize project progress together with payment status using Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and Primavera P6. The developed framework has the potential to reduce the consequences of poor payments. An actual case study for a construction project in Cairo, Egypt is worked out to demonstrate the main features of the proposed framework. The results of the case study reveal that project cash flow is secured and payments are instantly issued. Moreover, electronic records of payments are kept on the blockchain.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The proposed framework for smart contract development.
Figure 2
Figure 2
AAA 5D BIM model simulation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sequence diagram for FIDIC sub-clause 14.11 application for final payment certificate.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Procedure for FIDIC sub-clause 14.11 application for final payment certificate.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Workflow of the proposed blockchain module.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Data flow diagram for communication application.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Sequence diagram for FIDIC sub-clause 14.7 monthly statements.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Net cashflow with no advance payment using cryptocurrency-based payment scheme.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Net cashflow with advance payment using cryptocurrency-based payment scheme.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Real-time payments with no advance payment.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Real-time notifications of payments to subcontractors.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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