A conceptual framework for lean construction and blockchain synergy
Paper in proceeding, 2022

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology referring to decentralized databases existing across multiple locations and participants, in which the need for intermediaries to process, validate or authenticate transactions is reduced or eliminated. Such transactions are synchronously held by computer nodes in distributed copies, with cryptographic signatures validated through consensus protocols and transparency achieved through peer-to-peer transactional access among the nodes. Blockchain-based applications can be preferred over centralized databases on the basis of high levels of trust, data security, immutability, transparency, and multi-user consensus protocols. There is growing interest in blockchain in the built environment, with a focus on procurement, the management of supply chain project-life cycle, smart cities, intelligent systems, sustainability, and decentralized organizations. However, there is little discussion on whether and how blockchain will affect the advances in lean construction (LC) and vice versa. This paper therefore proposes a framework that establishes interactions between blockchain and lean construction, which can potentially facilitate the implementation of both. It is based on a synthetic literature review. The results indicate that blockchain can facilitate the implementation of LC (e.g., recording and retrieving of Last Planner data), and vice versa (e.g., value stream mapping guiding the integration of blockchain with processes).

Lean construction

Smart contracts

Framework

Blockchain

Synergy

Distributed ledger technology

Author

Algan Tezel

Aston University

Dimosthenis Kifokeris

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Building Design

Lauri Koskela

University of Birmingham

Carlos Torres Formoso

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

Christian Koch

Aalborg University

30th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 2022

576-587

30th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC30)
Edmonton, Canada,

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Development Fund of the Swedish Construction Industry (SBUF) (13898), 2021-01-01 -- 2022-02-28.

Centre for Management of the Built Environment (CMB) (183), 2021-01-01 -- 2022-02-28.

Lean construction – the current situation

Development Fund of the Swedish Construction Industry (SBUF) (13940), 2021-03-01 -- 2022-02-28.

Centre for Management of the Built Environment (CMB), 2021-03-01 -- 2022-02-28.

Digital business model for large site building logistics

Smart Built Environment (2018-01916), 2018-06-01 -- 2019-10-31.

Subject Categories

Construction Management

DOI

10.24928/2022/0162

More information

Latest update

10/5/2023