Application of blockchain technology in the engineering and construction sector: a state-of-the-art review

Abstract

Emerging technologies have been significantly improving the engineering and construction sectors. IN the last 5 years, blockchain technology have shown evidence in addressing the issues of low productivity, inadequate regulation compliance, cooperation, collaboration, and payment procedures in the sector. However, emerging technology require adequate breadth and depth in investigations as every year new advancement and applications are discovered that understanding from previous years may change in terms of the challenges, IT infrastructure and variations of the technology. Therefore, The aim of this study is to discover and analyse the research trends, challenges and application by assessing the literature status of blockchain applications in the engineering and construction industry. Then, the direction of further research can be recommended A systematic review combined with a bibliometric analysis approach was adopted utilising 37 articles for review and in-depth examination for a further bibliometric analysis and Nvivo software. The findings present a holistic status of the blockchain in the engineering and construction sector regarding the trending keywords involved (digital storage and decentralisation), countries in developing this technology (China), areas of application (payment thou smart contracts and supply chain management), interoperability with other technologies (BIM & AI) and challenges (legal implications). Further research are suggested towards interoperability of the blockchain between other technologies as well as feasibility of the applications.