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1.
  • Bahnariu, Bogdan, et al. (author)
  • Border regimes and unfair conditions for Eastern European migrant workers in the Swedish construction sector, a labor process theory perspective
  • 2022
  • In: 40th International Labour Process Conference: Labour Mobility and Mobilization of Workers. ; 40, s. 24-25
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • This paper investigates border regimes, precarity, and employment conditions from a labour process theory perspective (Braverman 1974; Thompson and Smith, 2010; Mezzadra and Neilson, 2013). Our specific focus is on the studies investigating the working conditions, labour rights, and employment forms for Eastern European migrants in the Swedish construction sector. In particular, we ask: how does the border regime shape employ ment forms and work practices, and what are the new forms of resistance and organisation in the Swedish construction sector? The migrant workers are conditioned by Swedish and EU legal aspects, depending on the country they originally come from, and its re lation to the EU. The origin of the migrant workers in the Swedish construction sector has continuously shifted since the 1950s, with Eastern Europe being especially prominent since the 1990s. Along with this shift, the focus on organized crime and on “unf air conditions” considering both a national and protectionist gaze, has been increasing in Sweden, implying that the understanding of the “unfair conditions” is something external, atypical, and non Swedish. A critical perspective on these issues calls for a “methodological de nationalism” ( 2019). At the same time, the Swedish model system of high regulation and welfare protection is highly challenged (Mackenzie et al., 2010), led to the emergence of two labour markets. The first one, dominant and highly regulated, is represented by big companies and construction unions, and is characterized by collaboration, good work relations, equity, democracy, and welfare (Haakestad and Friberg, 2000); the second one, subordinated and quite unregulated, is embodied by small companies working partially in illegal conditions, and is not characteristic for the Swedish labour market (Koch and Sederblad, 2019). As such, this paper focuses on the ways the sector has adapted to migrant labour inequalities due to labour and migration law, and the organisation and resistance forms that have been adopted. Labour process theory allows us to expand our analytical frame on the way the work is organized in the Swedish construction sector, its variations, and the ways those re late to what we can basically understand as migrant workers’ rights. It means that we cannot separate labour, class, and the features of the border regimes, as we need to include a knowledge of a “total social organization of labour” (Gluckman 1995). Meth odologically, a systematic literature review is conducted on the precarious and unequal working conditions, as well as on labour and employment forms, for Eastern European migrant workers within the Swedish construction sector. Our methodological choice of focusing on that context aimed at accounting for its specific peculiarities. Our study shows that a labour process theory perspective and a “denationalizing” analytical framework can reveal factors that impactlabour processes connected to immigrant workers. Moreover, we draw attention to the way the criminalizing gaze may be national, but the value adding labour force is indeed international. Thus, this paper contributes with knowledge production regarding the implications of border regimes for international workers’ employment forms, and precarious work practices having become part of the construction sector.
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2.
  • Bahnariu, Bogdan, et al. (author)
  • Little big transitions: electric construction machines in small sites
  • 2022
  • In: Proceedings of the 38th Annual Conference of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM). - 9780995546363 ; , s. 542-551
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Apart from grand projects (e.g., bridges) with large material and diesel-related emissions, civil engineering mostly comprises small and medium-sized projects (e.g., roundabouts, parks), where climate impact must also be mitigated. Because equipment manufacturers have been slow in providing electric machines (e.g., +/-2,5 tonnes electric excavators, wheel-loaders, etc.), which supports the transition to emission-free sites, the following enquiry appeared: which are the relevant barriers, enablers, benefits, and perspectives. This paper adopts an interdisciplinary operation management framework for a Swedish urban park project, where an electric wheelloader was used (study includes interviews, observations, energy measurements and assessment electric vs. diesel equivalent machines). Main findings show operators being modest in their expectations, electric machines performing as diesel-driven ones, and the difference in emissions being relatively significant. The considerable idle time indicated that a meta-level project portfolio planning would have huge potential - e.g., through involving machine rental companies in a sharing economy setup.
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3.
  • Buser, Martine, 1967, et al. (author)
  • Addressing minority discrimination in a master’s education program for construction management
  • 2023
  • In: Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics. - 2198-7254 .- 2198-7246. ; , s. 33-46
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Increasing minorities’ participation in high-tier and managerial positions in the construction sector, can compensate for the shortage of skilled workers faced by the industry even in Sweden. However, relevant initiatives seem to not have achieved substantial results yet. This is also evident in construction management education, which then creates implications for the industry. In this paper, we attest shortcomings in tackling the aforementioned issues, as well as present possible solutions. Theoretically, we adopt diversity management and critical diversity theory, and then conduct a literature review followed by an empirical focus on a master’s education program for construction management in a Swedish university. Our findings show that while methods and policies may exist, they are generally implemented inefficiently. Even more alarmingly, there can be a “diversity washing” through relevant low-budgeted programs, which may serve more as an extraction for underperforming managers rather than serious initiatives. As such, university-proposed solutions may fail, as the organizational structure does not support them, and the responsibility of implementation lies primarily with the teachers. We therefore propose broader initiatives with a strong reflection in praxis – such as following up on students’ behaviour in the classroom, and examining not only the way foreigners can be integrated, but also the way the majority is blindly maintaining and reproducing its privilege. Those could allow construction management education to contribute towards a diverse and equitable development of the Swedish construction sector. In that vein, this paper aims to contribute to SDGs 4, 5, 8, and 10.
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4.
  • Buser, Martine, 1967, et al. (author)
  • Do what I say, not what I do: increasing the representation of minorities in the construction sector
  • 2022
  • In: Proceedings of the 38th Annual Conference of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM). - 9780995546363 ; , s. 166-175
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • The minorities are still underrepresented in the Swedish construction sector despite initiatives launched to answer a growing demand for workforce. Whereas many studies have focused on the minorities, we propose here to look at how the majorities maintain their dominance in the case of a civil engineering education. To do so, we build on the concept of privilege accounting for the dynamics which marginalize some while benefitting others. Drawing on a mixed method approach, the empirical material of this qualitative research includes the reviewing of 120 individual assignments of MSc students in construction management, 16 interviews of these students, and the authors’ teaching experience. The preliminary results show a blindness towards one’s own privilege, and an overfocus on the differences attributed to the minorities. The paper contributes to a wider understanding of the social dynamic of discrimination within sector.
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5.
  • Calvetti, Diego, et al. (author)
  • Human-data interaction in incremental digital twin construction
  • 2023
  • In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Computing in Construction.
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • An incremental approach to deploying Digital Twins (DT) can potentially highlight their gradual usability and practical development for the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Owner Operator industry. At the same time, a significant volume of multiple stakeholders’ digital data on virtual and physical assets may be transacted. Therefore, investigating Human-data Interaction (HDI) over DTs is crucial to refining data acquisition and use. This paper conceptualises a framework of incremental interaction between HDI and DTs. Through this, new levels of HDI are defined over DT increments, including HDI requirements, HDI linkages, HDI as-proposed, HDI connected, HDI training, HDI learning, and HDI independent.
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6.
  • Dounas, Theodore, et al. (author)
  • Breaking the chain through blockchain : decentralization, autonomy, and labour process in the Architecture Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (archiDAO)
  • 2023
  • Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
    • Labour process theory can potentially offer an understanding of how to counter aneotaylorist managerial control at the point of production by considering spaces of relative autonomy in the workplace regulation dynamics (Thompson 2010) – not least due to digitalization and new technologies (Briken et al. 2018) . On these grounds, our paper focuses on the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) sector and presents a novel labour model for the Architecture Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (archiDAO), an architecture studio run on smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. A widespread narrative on the AECO industry in several (inter)national contexts considers it as fragmented and trailing behind other industries in terms of the processes involving digitisation and productivity, esp. regarding the way digital technologies are managerially used (if used at all) for increasing productivity but breaking the labor process by separating between mental and manual labour. This fragmentation and limitation can even affect white-collar workers involved in AECO work – who could thus benefit from exploring spaces of autonomy by utilizing technologies potentially affording them with decentralization capabilities. Introducing blockchain technologies within AECO has the potential to re-shape the industry and the labour that goes into it by allowing for such autonomy through the form of peer-to-peer economies and bottom-up governance of construction project processes. Blockchains are distributed ledger technologies that employ crypto economics to secure the ledger. Moreover, one can run smart contracts on top of a blockchain, creating various token mechanisms that have project and economic utility. Smart contracts can be explained as the computing code equivalent of automated vending machines (Savelyev 2016). Smart contracts get deployed unto blockchain packaged into a transaction. The Byzantine-fault tolerance mechanisms of the blockchain ensure then that smart contracts cannot be tampered within the same manner that transactions are secured, allowing only validated accounts on the network to act on the smart contract. Deployed smart contracts act then as automatons, with the blockchain automatically executing their code when specific events trigger the computation. This creates then an infrastructure automation layer where public permission blockchains, such as Ethereum, can be used as global computing state machines. Within our paper, we analyse the affinity of labour process theory with the set of stigmergic principles which archiDAO has used to organise production. These stigmergic principles have been developed via a review of the Viable System Model of Stafford Beer, as applied in the Cybersyn project in Chile. The paper analyses the construction of the token mechanics in the design of the archiDAO infrastructure and presents concrete examples of the overlay of labour processes with token processes. This can be of particular interest to the labour process community as the ArchiDAO is governed via its member-workers directly using tokens, providing an alternative to the extractive gig economy or the top-down hierarchy of classic architecture firms which are routinely managed in a neo-taylorist way.
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7.
  • Jaskula, Klaudia, et al. (author)
  • Blockchain-based decentralised Common Data Environment: user requirements and conceptual framework
  • 2023
  • Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
    • The ISO19650 standard proposed a common data environment (CDE) as a single source of truth for all project information that facilitates continuous collaboration between stakeholders. In practice, multiple CDEs are used simultaneously, leading to a lack of data integrity, traceability and transparency. Moreover, current centralised cloud-based CDEs are vulnerable to security risks such as data manipulation which magnifies the lack of trust among project stakeholders. Previous studies, proposing blockchain for information management focus on narrow use cases and do not encompass the whole lifecycle of a built asset. This work aims to develop a framework for decentralised information management in relation to all phases of the lifecycle. First, we identify the needs of the users for a CDE using desk research and an empirical approach including semi-structured interviews with industry experts. It is found that the top user requirement is integrating data scattered across multiple CDEs along the built asset's lifecycle in a single source of truth. A CDE should provide an accountable and transparent record of the entire project history integrating data from various tools utilised during the lifecycle. In the final step, we propose a conceptual framework for a blockchain-based CDE where transactions from various tools used along the entire lifecycle of a built asset are recorded on a blockchain linked with Inter-Planetary File Storage (IPFS) to increase the security of the files. Three illustrative use-case scenarios demonstrate the framework's applicability in design, construction, and operation phases. The utilisation of blockchain technology ensures an immutable, independent, and reliable record of all transactions, offering a comprehensive and tamperproof history. This approach not only addresses existing gaps in previous studies but also lays the foundation for establishing trustworthy Product and Material Passports.
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8.
  • Jaskula, Klaudia, et al. (author)
  • Common data environments in construction: state-of-the-art and challenges for practical implementation
  • 2024
  • In: Construction Innovation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1477-0857 .- 1471-4175.
  • Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Purpose Information management workflow in building information modelling (BIM)-based collaboration is based on using a common data environment (CDE). The basic premise of a CDE is exposing all relevant data as a single source of truth and facilitating continuous collaboration between stakeholders. A multitude of tools can be used as a CDE, however, it is not clear how the tools are used or if they fulfil the users’ needs. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate current practices of using CDEs for information management during the whole built asset’s life cycle, through a state-of-the-art literature review and an empirical study. Design/methodology/approach Literature data is collected according to the PRISMA 2020 guideline for reporting systematic reviews. This paper includes 46 documents in the review and conduct a bibliometric and thematic analysis to identify the main challenges of digital information management. To understand the current practice and the views of the stakeholders using CDEs in their work, this paper used an empirical approach including semi-structured interviews with 15 BIM experts. Findings The results indicate that one of the major challenges of CDE adoption is project complexity and using multiple CDEs simultaneously leading to data accountability, transparency and reliability issues. To tackle those challenges, the use of novel technologies in CDE development such as blockchain could be further investigated. Originality/value The research explores the major challenges in the practical implementation of CDEs for information management. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study on this topic combining a systematic literature review and fieldwork.
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9.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • A conceptual digital business model for construction logistics consultants, featuring a sociomaterial blockchain solution for integrated economic, material and information flows
  • 2020
  • In: Journal of Information Technology in Construction. - : International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction. - 1874-4753. ; 25, s. 500-521
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • In this paper, a new digital business model for independent construction logistics consultants, which features the conceptualization of a sociomaterial blockchain solution for integrated information, material and economic flows, is proposed.Theoretically, we offer an understanding of the economic flow, stress the optimization of construction logistics through flow integration, analyse current approaches to understanding blockchain, adopt sociomateriality to envision a suitable blockchain solution, and consider the way blockchain can constitute part of the value proposition of a related digital business model. Methodologically, we systematically reviewed the literature on blockchain-related construction research, and conducted empirical studies on independent logistics consultants in the Swedish context for more than a year. On the one hand, the literature review reveals that core blockchain properties can generate value for construction logistics (e.g. shared ledger structure and reduction of accounting rework) – however, apart from visions and prototypes, there currently exist no use cases, and potential implementational constraints and security issues are limitedly considered. One the other hand, the empirical findings show that independent construction logistics consultants in the sociomaterial Swedish context are suitable candidates for the proposed digital business model. By combining the literature and empirical insights, a permissioned private proof-of-authority blockchain solution integrating the supply chain flows in a generic sociomaterial setting is conceptualized. This solution is then embedded in the value proposition of a digital business model for an independent construction logistics consultant. The proposition includes, among others, improved process management and increased productivity, while the consultants’ competitive advantage through innovation is facilitated. Other business model segments, like key resources, are also updated via the blockchain solution, while some, like channels, are not significantly affected. To not hinder the realization of this digital business model, issues like the lack of blockchain awareness, and the existing power balances within sociomaterial constellations, have to be addressed.
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10.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • A conceptual framework for the assessment of bridge performance indicators through the integration of constructability, sustainability and risk analysis
  • 2015
  • Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
    • Bridges, being complex and large infrastructure projects, can suffer from meager levels of performance and lukewarm users’ satisfaction. In order to avoid such undesirable results, it is essential not only to undertake a rigid feasibility study and establish an efficient contractual strategy, but also to optimize the relevant performance indicators (be it technical, sustainable or managerial) through the concepts of constructability and sustainability. Constructability, being a holistic lifecycle project edifice, relies heavily on the assessment and improvement of performance indicators (be it technical, sustainable or managerial), towards design and construction integration, close stakeholders’ cooperation and, ultimately, the attainment of the best possible overall project performance. Its interconnection with sustainability is close, since the latter is one of the most important dimensions of quality – one of the key project performance objectives – and extrapolates towards the rest, which are cost (of integration), time (of completion) and client satisfaction. Risk analysis, being used extensively in project management but not as of yet integrated deeply in the unified themes of constructability and sustainability, can provide the cognitive and mathematical basis for the establishment of a new methodology of assessing the performance indicators, thus helping in their improvement for the existing and ongoing projects and their documentation into lessons-learned databases for future projects. In this early work, a coarse conceptual framework for the integration of risk analysis in the combined notions of constructability and sustainability in order to assess performance indicators for bridges is defined, being an early step in an ongoing research effort towards the establishment of a holistic methodology.
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11.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • A mapping of Swedish lean construction variants in practice: review and survey
  • 2022
  • In: Proceedings of the 38th Annual Conference of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM). - 9780995546363 ; , s. 461-470
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Swedish Lean Construction (LC) practices focus mainly on improving technical process parameters – however, issues claimed to have been solved by LC (e.g., high production costs), are still apparent. This study reports on a survey about Swedish companies’ LC practices. A literature review on Swedish LC variants served as the background. The questionnaire survey itself was answered by around 490 construction-related companies across all Swedish regions. Survey results indicate a cross-sectoral discrepancy of LC knowledge and practices, with almost 65% of respondents claiming not to know about LC – while those doing so, are applying it in variants (e.g., integrated with location-based planning). Such an implementation can either pertain to project portfolios or be required by clients – and is more visible in large contractors and some SMEs claiming to be LC-competent. A stronger crossindustry collaboration may be needed for facilitating LC knowledge in Sweden, as well as underpinning LC practice variants befitting each company’s specific business model.
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12.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • An analysis of the impartial implementation in practice of risk identification in technical projects
  • 2019
  • In: ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems, Part A: Civil Engineering. - 2376-7642. ; 5:3
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Risk identification in the case of technical projects is an issue that has been extensively studied in the context of many previous research efforts; however, a thorough study of the respective literature clearly reveals a methodological and application gap between research and practice, which is further increased by a wide discrepancy when it comes to definitions and procedures applied. This paper proposes the consideration of risk sources in the risk identification process as a means to bridge the identified gap and reduce discrepancy. The paper presents the results of the processing and analysis of real projects’ risk data through unstructured interviews with the experts that provided the data, and then examines their correlation to a comprehensive risk sources checklist drawn from previous research. The results of this cross-checking clearly highlight the extensive misconceptions of the related terms and notions in practice (e.g. what is perceived as “risk identification”, is actually risk source identification), as well as the partial implementation of procedures that reflects a similar partial approach to technical project risk analysis in practice (e.g. the risk sources actually identified are fewer than the ones that could be identified through a holistic approach to technical project risk analysis). These results draw the attention to the need for more focused risk sourcerelated research, since the new paradigm shift in technical project risk analysis, highlights the importance of risk sources.
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13.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Application of linguistic clustering to define sources of risk in technical projects
  • 2018
  • In: ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems, Part A: Civil Engineering. - 2376-7642. ; 4:1
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Risk identification is adversely affected by the still existing definitional and applicational discrepancy regarding risks and other related notions, such as hazards and impacts. A paradigm shift is beginning to be in effect, proposing the preliminary identification of risk sources to ameliorate the aforementioned adversities. However, apart from identifying risk sources from the outset, the bulk of the already conducted project risk-related research, from which risk sources could be derived, is still not free of discrepancies and is falling short of use. In this paper, a new linguistic clustering algorithm, using the k-means++ procedure in addition to the semantics tools of stop world removal and word stemming is developed and codified. Then, the algorithm is applied on a vast risk notions set, emanated from an exhaustive review of the relative literature. The clustered and semantically processed results of the application are then used for the deduction of risk sources. Thus, this paper provides a compact, general, and encompassing master set of risk sources, discretized among distinct overhead categories.
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14.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Blockchain and lean construction: an exploration of bidirectional synergies and interactions
  • 2023
  • In: Architectural Engineering and Design Management. - 1745-2007 .- 1752-7589.
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Blockchain is a form of digital distributed ledger, referring to databases decentralized across numerous users, facilitating peer-to-peer transactions by eliminating or reducing the need for intermediaries to conduct, validate, or authenticate them. It is characterized by transparency, data immutability and traceability, and consensus processes validating cryptographic signatures. The architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry is increasingly interested in blockchain. Lean construction (LC), a value-focused production management concept, has long been challenging conventional project management practices in AECO. Lack of conversation, however, surrounds whether and how blockchain can (or should) impact LC developments – and vice versa. And if that impact exists – is it significant enough to create value for the related stakeholders? This article offers a conceptual synergistic framework of interactions between blockchain and LC, which can facilitate an understanding on whether there is value in their combined use. A systematic literature review and analysis serve as the foundation of this research. The findings show that LC can be facilitated by blockchain through trust building for relational procurement, data recording for some key activities (e.g. offsite construction, Last Planner System), and streamlining some non-value activities (e.g. payments). In return, blockchain can gain relevance for project management practices when it is defined and implemented in a LC framework. Also, LC can help improve blockchain-related workflows and decision making.
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15.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Blockchain in building logistics: emerging knowledge, and related actors in Sweden
  • 2019
  • In: Proceedings of the 35th Annual ARCOM Conference, 2-4 September 2019, Leeds, UK. - 9780995546349 ; , s. 426-435
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Large building projects involve complex on-site logistics regarding materials and subsystems, often encompassing hundreds of vehicles handling incoming and outcoming goods and requiring precise timing and space handling. Such a material flow is generally decoupled from the respective economic flow; however, the integration of the two could, among others, foster a holistic overview of the full construction project production, facilitate the collaboration of the supply chain stakeholders, and optimize constructability. Blockchain technologies can enable an integration of these flows by using the distributed ledger facility inherent in a decentralized blockchain network, as well as smart contracts. This paper aims at reviewing the emerging knowledge on blockchain in construction and identifying different constellations of companies and flows in digital building logistics. Theoretically, the paper draws on a sociotechnical approach, which views the development of digitalization as an intertwined social and technical process, where technology is co-shaped with practice. Building on a literature review and interviews and dialogues with actors active in building logistics within Sweden, at least three digital building logistics constellations with the potential to implement blockchain solutions are identified: (1) large contractors integrating building logistics internally, to overcome transaction challenges and maintain power over business-critical supply processes, (2) clients employing independent third-party logistics consultants acting as convenors of different interests in the building logistics setup, and (3) other thirdparty actors such as construction equipment suppliers, offering customised digital building logistics solutions.
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16.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Blockchain in construction – hype, hope, or harm?
  • 2019
  • In: Advances in ICT in Design, Construction and Management in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO): Proceedings of the 36th CIB W78 2019 Conference. - 9781861354860 ; , s. 189-198
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Business and public interest and investments in digital ledgers, smart contracts and virtual currencies such as bitcoin, has skyrocketed. Blockchain is indeed a hyped technology – and should therefore raise healthy skepticism. During construction production, projects and the involved companies take on a disintegrated economic flow and allocation of economic resources; these include supplies of materials and services, payments, accounting tasks, and other economic decisions, that are often treated second-hand by site management, subcontractors, transport companies, retailers and material suppliers. Within such a situation, blockchain technologies can maybe create value for stakeholders in handling this economic flow and integrating it with other information and material flows. So, in this sense, blockchain represents a hope for construction; however, this paper critically scrutinizes blockchain for construction, in trying to answer the question whether it indeed constitutes hope, or it is harmful. The paper will report from an ongoing study and development project aiming at implementing a blockchain prototype for digitalized construction logistics at a large building site. A literature review, undertaken in several iterations from May 2018 to summer 2019 and following the emergence of the hype for blockchain, reveals visions and a few prototypes of related systems for construction. Theoretically, the paper adopts a sociomaterial approach, appreciating that blockchain is as much about social interaction and development of trust, as it is about digitally facilitating economic transactions. Several critical issues threatening to jeopardize the adoption of blockchain are analyzed in the paper, such as the protection of the economic data during transactions, permission access control which only allows a few people to enter the system while still requiring a minimum of trust between those already inside the system, and possible financial speculation on the utilized cryptocurrencies. The way construction stakeholders can mitigate such issues, thus enabling blockchain to become a realized hope rather than harming the sector, is discussed. Probably the largest risk relates to unrealistic hopes of full transparency in open blockchain systems, potentially making the systems too vulnerable to external intervention and even speculation. Permissioned systems with some level of hierarchy appear to be a feasible compromise solution mitigating the potential harm.
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17.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Blockchain in construction logistics: state-of-art, constructability, and the advent of a new digital business model in Sweden
  • 2019
  • In: Volume I – Proceedings of the 2019 European Conference on Computing in Construction, July 10-12, 2019, Chania, Crete, Greece. - 9781910963371 ; 1, s. 332-340
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Research on blockchain technology implementation within civil engineering has mainly focused on smart contracts, and interfaces with information systems. However, the use of blockchain for the integration of the material and economic flows within construction supply chain – thus creating a new business model – to enhance a construction project’s production, logistics management, and constructability, has not been investigated. In this paper, this shortage is documented through a comprehensive literature review. Then, the potential of Swedish independent third-party logistics consultants as a fertile ground for such a business model, is examined. Finally, conclusions about the pursuance of this potential paradigm shift are drawn.
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18.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • BLogCHAIN: proof-of-concept and pilot testing of a blockchain application prototype for construction logistics in Sweden
  • 2021
  • In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Computing in Construction. - 9783907234549 ; II, s. 11-18
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Blockchain technology has a potential for construction logistics, also within Sweden. In this paper, a proposal of a blockchain system and its practical implementation is presented (the BLogCHAIN prototype). Its was preliminarily tested during the early construction of a school in Sweden, in November-December 2020. Methodologically, we reviewed studies on blockchain for construction logistics, interviewed the BLogCHAIN testers (suppliers and contractor’s operatives), and understood the test’s practical outcomes through sociomateriality. Our results include the confirmation of envisioned benefits when implementing BLogCHAIN (e.g. reducing accounting rework), but also a simplification from its initial conceptualization, mainly due to rigidly established work practices.
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19.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Bridge quality appraisal methodology: application in a reinforced concrete overpass roadway bridge
  • 2018
  • In: Journal of Infrastructure Systems. - 1076-0342. ; 24:4
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Bridge quality control plans and asset management systems are often integrated in collective frameworks used by authorities nationally and internationally. Similarities among these frameworks include the utilization of performance indicators for quality appraisal. However, there are discrepancies in the ways such frameworks are researched, developed, and applied. Additionally, there are problematic aspects even in their common characteristics, like the relative absence of correlation between observed performance indicator values and benchmarked ones, and the deliverables’ disparity due to the diversity of the quantified indicator variables. For the alleviation of such problematic aspects, this paper presents a bridge quality appraisal methodological and computational framework. It builds on (1) the adaptation of the sustainable building methodology and its combination with expert input solicitation methods and the research findings of the European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST) Action TU1406, and (2) a multi-input adaptation of the analytical hierarchy process. The methodology is presented in terms of its general procedural steps and calculating requirements, and then it is tailored to reinforced concrete overpass roadway bridges. The methodology’s application in a real case study concludes the presented research.
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20.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Bridge quality appraisal methodology: application in the Strimonas Bridge. Case study.
  • 2018
  • In: Baltic Journal of Road and Bridge Engineering. - : Riga Technical University. - 1822-4288 .- 1822-427X. ; 13:3, s. 331-343
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • In the current utilization of Performance Indicators for bridge Quality Control, there is no correlation between observed and benchmarked Performance Indicator values, and an ambiguity of deliverables due to the diverse nature of Performance Indicators. For the alleviation of those above, this paper presents a methodology that appraises the quality of bridges. This methodology builds on the adaptation of the Sustainable Building Method and its combination with expert input solicitation methods and the research findings of COST Action TU1406. In addition, it features an adaptation of the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The methodology is presented regarding its general procedural steps and calculating requirements, and then it is tailored to the case study of Strimonas Bridge in Greece.
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21.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Building Information Models’ data for machine learning systems in construction management
  • 2019
  • In: 2019 Creative Construction Conference Proceedings, 29 June – 2 July 2019, Budapest, Hungary. ; , s. 818-823
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Qualitative and quantitative data are important in construction management. However, despite the capabilities of construction informatics, such data and its sources have scarcely been fully and systematically utilized for predictive purposes. Building Information Models (BIM) are such a data source. Within BIM, information structures enabling interoperability and providing utilizable data throughout the various Levels of Development (LODs) of a building – for example, Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs) – can be fully and meaningfully exploited through data mining, and more particularly, via machine learning. In this paper, the capabilities of the information structures found in IFCs to be used as data sources for developing machine learning predictive models, will be examined. In addition, and by conceptually tying such data with constructability, their suitability for predicting – through such machine learning models – the delivery cost and time overheads of a construction project, will be considered.
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22.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Challenges in the digital transformation of lean design methods: a case study
  • 2020
  • In: ARCOM 2020 - Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 36th Annual Conference 2020 - Proceedings. ; , s. 445-454
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Lean design, a major lean construction focus, entails a number of various methods which are practically implemented. Among them, the lean design-inspired concept Project Studio (PS) has been utilized since 2011 by a major Swedish contractor, to facilitate and standardize the design process in conjunction with collaborative planning. PS promotes the face-to-face communication and collaboration of designers within the same physical project space, by using visual analogue tools, fostering creativity, and facilitating mutual learning. Following the digitalization paradigm shift in the construction industry, the aforementioned contractor sought to digitally transform existing flows, processes and tools, as part of its operational strategy. This course of action included PS, which was digitalized in 2017 via cloud applications seeking to optimize its performance, increase scheduling availability, and facilitate the question-answer handling outside of the PS physical project space. In the current paper, the digital transformation of PS is critically analysed. Methodologically, the abductive reasoning of qualitative analysis is adopted, by working iteratively between a preliminary targeted literature review performed through the concept-centric framework, and the qualitative field data obtained in a case study that was conducted by observing an in-company competence course. While it was noted that through the digitalization of PS some benefits were indeed brought about (e.g. higher detail of deliverables and remote access capabilities), the major results of this analysis were rather alarming. The critical observations showed a large variation on the understanding and utilization of the cloud tools (which in themselves could not adequately replace any of the PS existing working methodologies), more time-consuming meetings, frequent misinterpretation of digitally exchanged information, mobility reduction in the PS physical project space, and stakeholder dislocation. These results can be tied with the general discussion of the possibly negligent way of introducing and utilizing digitalization within construction (following the current hype), the largely unfounded perception that digital tools make processes self-propelled, and the still existent unavoidable discrepancies emanating from the disassociation between developers and implementers.
  •  
23.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Constructability of districts: capabilities of productivity and logistics big data for machine learning prediction
  • 2019
  • In: Advances in ICT in Design, Construction and Management in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO): Proceedings of the 36th CIB W78 2019 Conference. ; , s. 32-41
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Big data, reflecting both qualitative information and quantitative material, can be used within the construction management processes of complex and large-scale building activities, such as the development of whole districts in urban areas. Such big data is probably largely focused on transport routes, productivity and site logistics portfolios. However, despite the capabilities offered by construction informatics, such data has scarcely been utilized systematically and in its full capacity for descriptive and predictive purposes. Such a systematic data utilization process can be framed through the lens of the novel construction management concept of district constructability, namely the extension of constructability into the collective level of entire districts. Constructability is here understood as the optimal use of construction knowledge and experience in planning, design, procurement, and field operations, to achieve the project objectives of time, cost and quality, and omit the gap between the as-designed and as-built project states. District constructability moves from individual projects to an overall metric for the facilitation of construction knowledge and experience implementation when undertaking large-scale construction activities (e.g. the erection of numerous buildings) for the development of entire districts; thus, it can be realized, among others, through the achievement of optimal construction productivity rates and smooth logistics operations. To combine all the aforementioned, and simultaneously fully and meaningfully exploit the capabilities that construction productivity and logistics big data may present for the assessment of district constructability, data mining can be utilized, namely the set of processes that computationally discover and “comprehend” patterns in datasets. More particularly, machine learning, here defined as the exploration of algorithms that enable computing systems to “learn” and make data-driven predictions by building a model from a sample dataset and without being explicitly programmed, can be at the methodological forefront of fully exploiting all data found in transport routes, buffer facilities, productivity rates and logistics portfolios. In this paper, the capabilities of the information structures found in the data for developing machine learning models predicting the district constructability in new large-scale urbanization activities, are examined.
  •  
24.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Constructability: Outline of Past, Present and Future Research
  • 2017
  • In: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management - ASCE. - 1943-7862 .- 0733-9364. ; 143:8, s. 04017035-1-04017035-13
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Constructability has been researched for the last five decades, along with relevant connotations such as buildability and constructability programs. Definitions and concepts, assessment, computation and implementation methodologies, and techniques and tools have been qualitatively and quantitatively defined for constructability. A systematic and thorough review and standardization of key construction management concepts, such as constructability, could be the foundation for confronting issues primarily regarding: (1) the increasing complexity of construction projects, (2) the vast information and big data disseminated and accessed by engineers of different disciplines, and (3) the rapid development and increasing impact of tools such as building information modeling (BIM) and collective project management software. This paper presents a thorough literature review of the conceptualization and use of constructability and outlines the relative past and ongoing research trends and implementation tools, in order to contribute to its reevaluation in contemporary construction management. Constructability’s value is discussed specifically in connection with risk analysis, and their integration toward the establishment of an inclusive methodology for the holistic management of technical projects
  •  
25.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Digital business model for large site building logistics: A generic approach to project-configured building logistics
  • 2021
  • Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
    • This project, funded by Smart Built Environment (SBE), aimed at investigating the way a site-specific solution for construction supply chains and logistics – where the information, material and economic flows are integrated and getting transparent through a blockchain-enabled solution – can be conceptualized, developed, tested and incorporated into a new digital business model for an independent building logistic consultant. In a collaboration with such a consultant firm, Prolog, the insights, opportunities and shortcomings of blockchain as found in the current literature, were used to conceptualize a sociomaterial solution for construction logistics featuring blockchain for integrated flows, and embed this solution in the value proposition of a digital business model for independent logistics consultants. This, first, resulted in a generic digital business model for building logistics consultants as a business type, and then, in a Prolog-specific business model featuring a value proposition which focuses on facilitating logistics planning and flow integration. The Prolog-specific digital business model emphasizes consultancy over digitalization in its value proposition, focuses on the customer segment of public clients, and opts for an information flow integration system. Moreover, Prolog awaits further development of cryptocurrencies, before entering such economic flow-oriented solutions. The conceptual sociomaterial solution emerged into a blockchain-supported flow integration from the issuing of purchasing orders until the completion of on-site deliveries. The development, tests, and evaluation of the solution prototype – named Building Logistics BlockCHAIN (BLogCHAIN) – involved the collaboration with a building site, the initial mapping of the prospective users’ (and testers’) experiences, and on-site testing (in two iterations) to inform both the first and the second version of the prototype. The created value for the users and companies involved demonstrated the utility of blockchain in increasing integration and transparency, and prospectively reducing the number of transactions and facilitating value creation. The integration and transparency occurred among site managers supporting coordination. Reducing transactions and facilitating value creation remained as future options, since the system was tested as a stand-alone prototype. As such, the test context needed a system integration between planning, purchasing, and accounting, and a revision of existing purchasing contracts with regard to payment conditions. BLogCHAIN also highlighted the possibility of a more active and digitally supported role of the client, through enabling online monitoring of economic flows. Recommendations for future work include preparing actual business cases via the conduct of larger-scale field tests, as well as innovation projects expanding on the potential of blockchain and digital systems’ integration for building logistics. Blockchain, when further developed, can become a driver of digitalization in construction supply chains, but also other application fields in construction. It can complement well-established previous generation technologies such as BIM, but also cutting-edge technologies, such as IoT and machine learning. We hope that our study will push research and development in the direction of continued efforts of strong contextualization that will enable the competitiveness of the Swedish construction industry – and society.
  •  
26.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Game Theory-Based Minimization of the Ostracism Risk in Construction Companies
  • 2021
  • In: Sustainability. - : MDPI AG. - 2071-1050. ; 13:12
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Strategic and managerial decision-making in an organization can have a crucial effect for the whole entity; however, it rarely involves the organization’s employees evenly at the different organizational levels. The result is—what is addressed in this paper as—the ostracism risk, namely the risk accruing from the lack of satisfaction of underprivileged employees’ groups during the decision-making process. The ostracism risk could jeopardize the organization’s integrity and therefore requires effective treatment. This paper aims at verifying a conceptual approach, which is proposed as a methodology for assessing the probability of organizational cooperation when deciding under risk, thus minimizing ostracism risk. The proposed approach is based on organizational and human resources management (HRM) theories and is contextualized for construction through the understanding of systems theory. The proposed methodology presents a potential modelling via game theory of a medium-sized construction company that is organized according to Mintzberg’s organizational model. The utilization of the bounded Pareto distribution is presented as an approach of the model’s probabilistic processing, and the potential for estimating the probabilities to adopt a favorable cooperational decision is verified. The paper concludes with the reference to the next steps required for the methodology’s validation and further improvement.
  •  
27.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988 (author)
  • Lifecycle-based discretization of bridge performance indicators
  • 2016
  • In: eBook of the 2nd Workshop Meeting. - 9788675181873 ; , s. 751-756
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • The research concerning the performance of large infrastructure, and especially bridges, is extensive. Most prominent topics are those investigating the static, dynamic and seismic performance of bridges and all their constituent parts. The associated performance indicators include mainly the damage degree, bearing structure ductility, fragility frequency, SSI (soil-structure interaction), vulnerability, fragility, and resilience of bridges. Whereas the various indicators can be divided into certain indices groups (cost efficiency, safety, serviceability etc.), a discretization taking into account a holistic approach to lifecycle infrastructure management has not yet taken place. This paper presents such an attempt based on the key bridge performance indicators proposed by researchers in Greece, a country with important experience in this type of infrastructure. Following a targeted literature review, a conceptual schema is presented that showcases the interconnections between fundamental notions of lifecycle project management (namely constructability, sustainability and risk analysis). Then, an integrated discretization of the found grouping performance indices according to the aspects of the schema is depicted. The utility of this discretization is that the key aspects of studied research efforts concerning bridge performance indicators can be incorporated into the interconnection schema, which constitutes the first part of a, currently under development, holistic lifecycle management methodological framework. This incorporation does not only serve as an indicator regularization according to the key aspects of lifecycle project management, but also as a verification test for the schema itself in the case of certain aspects of bridges and large infrastructure in general.
  •  
28.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Lost and found in translation: top-down decoupling and bottom-up recoupling of strategies and practices in construction production
  • 2021
  • In: Proceedings of the 37th Annual ARCOM Conference, ARCOM 2021. ; , s. 532-541
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Researchers have noted an apparent decoupling between construction production strategies formulated at upper management, and their top-down translation into onsite practices. In this paper, we revisit the research question of how and why there is such a decoupling and use that to conceptualise a primarily bottom-up schema of production strategizing, drawing on site managers’ perspectives. As such, we conduct a Sweden-specific literature review focusing on (s) lean construction production practice variants, and (b) site managers’ dispositions towards production strategy improvements imposed by upper organisational levels - which may not align with hands-on best practices. The findings show that production-oriented lean construction variants aiming at strategy or on-site processes may lack an interface altogether; furthermore, there exists a decoupling between the standardisation logic of the strategic top-down view of production, and site managers’ tendency to act in free problem-solving roles. We then use the strategy as process and practice (SAPP) framework to integrate those findings and conceptualise a best practice-informed production strategising schema. This schema favours bottom-up production strategising, but also considers a loop-like collaboration approach - in an effort to integrate the benefits from a top-down production standardisation, with the flexible bottom-up buffer zones allowing for innovations and out-of-box solutions.
  •  
29.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Project performance appraisal frameworks as blueprints for bridge quality control
  • 2016
  • In: eBook for the 3rd Workshop Meeting. - 9789036543255 ; , s. 618-623
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Various project performance appraisal frameworks (PPAFs) have been established in practice for engineering projects of both the public and private sector. Their aim is to measure the targeted and tangential attributes of project performance and conformance to specified quality standards. In this paper, the following PPAFs are summarily presented: CONQUAS and BDAS of Singapore, PASS and BAM of Hong Kong and SBTool of Portugal, Spain and Italy. Then, the current state of research regarding the key bridge performance indicators (KBPIs) is noted and considerations regarding the possible adaptation of a PPAF-inspired blueprint for a general quality appraising framework for roadway bridges take place. Concluding, the importance of lessons learned and best practices in the establishment of a novel conceptual and computational framework is discussed.
  •  
30.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Risk source-based constructability appraisal using supervised machine learning
  • 2019
  • In: Automation in Construction. - : Elsevier BV. - 0926-5805. ; 104, s. 341-359
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Appraising a technical project's constructability is pivotal in its objectives' achievement, performance improvement, and collaborative lifecycle management. However, it has never been computationally integrated with risk analysis. This paper presents the construction, implementation and validation of a novel methodological and computational framework tackling such an integration for the first time, by treating it as a classification problem. Real projects' risk- and constructability class-related data was collected, and the risk elements' values were normalized and assigned to a general risk source checklist. Then, regularized stochastic gradient descent non-negative matrix factorization dealt with missing values and factorized the data into vectors. The latter were processed with sequential minimal optimization – employed to solve the soft-margin support vector machines for supervised machine learning classification – which was trained and validated through n-fold cross-validation. The result was a classification equation that predicts with high accuracy a project's constructability class, given its identified and assessed risk sources.
  •  
31.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Swedish lean construction practices identified in the last decade of research
  • 2020
  • In: ARCOM 2020 - Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 36th Annual Conference 2020 - Proceedings. ; , s. 435-444
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Studies on lean construction (LC) can possibly point to differences in its practical realization (i.e. different coverage of construction processes), in order to fit certain purposes. Different LC practices may entail the implementation of parts of the bundle of concepts that constitute LC (e.g. Last Planner), or the integration of LC with other frameworks and tools (like BIM). The identification of such practices may lead to the emergence of certain positive outcomes, like initiating a discussion on suggesting new and/or updated LC tenets. Here, the contextual characteristics of different construction sectors are appreciated by focusing on the Swedish national context. We explore the last decade of research output documenting cases of LC practices in Sweden, and then we critically analyse this output to categorise these practices according to the construction processes they cover. Methodologically, a systematic literature review utilising the augmented concept-centric framework was conducted, and the abductive method was utilised to analyse the review outcomes. The main LC practices in Sweden are found to pertain heavily to production and strategy, while covering partnering, stakeholder collaboration, design, planning, and supply chains to a lesser extent. However, the knowledge of these practices is scattered, which precludes a more advanced adoption of LC in Sweden and prevents it from fully countering issues it is supposed to tackle - as shown in a recent report on the productivity in the Swedish construction sector. Moreover, through the years, there has been a heavy focus on industrialised, rather than “conventional”, construction. However, while the study of the former - which has a well-defined, but also modest market share in Sweden - has been precise and extensive, the needs of the latter have yet to be adequately addressed. These findings may entail that more work is needed for a stronger requirements-driven adoption of LC in Sweden.
  •  
32.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • The impact of the autonomy-control paradox through blockchain technology on site and white-collar workers in construction production: insights from Sweden
  • 2022
  • In: 40th International Labour Process Conference: Labour Mobility and Mobilization of Workers. ; 40, s. 141-142
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • The construction industry is characterised by power dynamics – also within Sweden. Those can affect clients, contractors, and, crucially, construction site and white-collar workers during construction production – with the workers potentially experiencing an intensification of their labor. In this paper, we address the research question of how such power dynamics are getting modified by implementing blockchain technology, and the effect this has on workers within Swedish construction production. Blockchain has been claimed to foster partially decentralised digital ecosystems featuring partly automated peer-to-peer transactions with a reduced need for third-party intermediaries, thus generating trust and transparency. However, the provision of such transparency through generalised and decentralised control can also lead to a reduced autonomy of the actors (esp. the workers) represented by the blockchain network nodes – an autonomy-control paradox. As such, we analyse this paradox through labor process theory to see whether utilising blockchain can aid workers in getting mobilised and re-capturing more sway on construction production labor processes. In this analysis, we also try to account for the specificities of the Swedish construction site – as sites constitute production spaces that differ from factory floors. These theoretical foci are supported by a targeted review on blockchain properties and its relation to construction, while drawing empirical insights on the transformation of work practices through a test implementation of a blockchain prototype for construction logistics during the production of a specific construction project in Sweden. Despite the early stage of that test, the study’s main results already indicate changes in controlling labor and information. It seems that for site and white-collar employees, transactional transparency can be realised through a blockchain akeen to our testing formulation, while impacting operations management, work processes, and material flows. In that vein, the autonomy-control paradox for site and white-collar workers in sales, purchasing, route planning etc. can show that through blockchain, the present work regime may become stricter (e.g., missing micro-breaks); however, blockchain’s transparency could also enable a bottom-up element, where site and white-collar workers obtain better insights in the processes they participate, as well as new forms of qualities in their work. Ultimately though, judging from the present test, the focus on the material flow (i.e., the companies’ and managers’ main interest) will probably be more prevalent in future implementations of blockchain in construction production - a prevailing "business as usual" even in a blockchain-driven digital workplace, indicating labor process theory discourses on re-structuring employment, controlling regimes, and autonomising spaces. It is thus more likely that blockchain will be utilised to increase top-down control over labor. As such, this study contributes with insights on the effect of implementing blockchain - a hyped digital technology - on the power dynamics impacting labor processes during construction production. Those insights are backed by on-site empirical observations, a rare trait in blockchain research for construction production, where actual use cases are yet to be found.
  •  
33.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • The Proof-of-Concept of a Blockchain Solution for Construction Logistics Integrating Flows: Lessons from Sweden
  • 2022
  • In: Blockchain for Construction. - Singapore : Springer Nature Singapore. - 9789811937583 ; , s. 113-137
  • Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
    • The economic, information and material flows in construction logistics are usually disintegrated—but blockchain could integrate them into a shared digital ledger supported by smart contracts, thus creating value for the relevant actors (e.g. contractors, suppliers). Therefore, weexplore such a solution’s potential by conceptualizing, developing, implementing, and testing a relevant pilot in the Swedish context. Theoretically, we adopt sociomateriality, thus understanding blockchain as a digital facilitator of transactions, flow integration, social interactions, and trust development. Methodologically, we review the literature on blockchain for construction logistics, and report from our empirical studies in Sweden. The literature review showed that core blockchain properties can generate value for construction logistics (e.g. reduction of accounting rework)—however, there currently exist no use cases beyond concepts and pilots.Moreover, implementation can be challenging due to practical and security constraints—also reflected in our own empirical material. Regardless, the solution was conceptualized as a permissioned private proof-ofauthority blockchain named BlogCHAIN, and developed into an online application based on Hyperledger Besu. Testing BLogCHAIN revealed that the practitioners’ resistance and powerplay required a simplification of our initial concept. Indeed, the flows were integrated, more decentralization and transparency were achieved, and previously time-consuming processes were facilitated—but the main contractor retained control over critical logistics segments. Our lessons-learned showed that several issues can jeopardize the adoption of blockchain, like existing power balances and unrealistic hopes of transparency and accountability beyond established business practices. The solution could be integrated with the IoT and machine learning in the future.
  •  
34.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • The RISCONA system: constructability appraisal through the identification and assessment of technical project risks sources
  • 2019
  • In: IABSE Symposium Guimarães 2019 Report: Towards a Resilient Built Environment Risk and Asset Management. - 9781510884458 ; 114, s. 1696-1703
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • In construction management, constructability and risk analysis have never been methodologically and computationally integrated, leading to non-optimal construction knowledge implementation, stakeholders’ cooperation, choice of construction method, and risk-driven perception of key managerial concepts. In this paper, a methodology unifying constructability and risk analysis is delineated, where: (1) risk sources are derived with unsupervised machine learning, (2) actual projects’ data are collected and suitably correlated with the derived risk sources, and (3) the appraisal of constructability through the data-correlated risk sources is modelled with supervised machine learning. As the culmination of this modelling, the prototype software application RISCONA (RIsk Source-based CONstructability Appraisal) is presented, as a tool that can help construction managers in their decision-making regarding constructability and risk analysis.
  •  
35.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • Towards the combination of risk analysis, constructability and sustainability for the lifecycle management of construction projects
  • 2017
  • In: Life-Cycle of Engineering Systems: Emphasis on Sustainable Civil Infrastructure - 5th International Symposium on Life-Cycle Engineering, IALCCE 2016. - 9781315375175 ; , s. 1492-1502
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • A holistic lifecycle approach for project management is important in all state-of-the-art technical projects and especially those of increased complexity, utilization diversity, purpose multiplicity, and consequences severity in case of poor performance. Such an approach should aim to optimize the success determinants of the overall project’s performance, including cost and time of completion, quality of deliverables and client satisfaction. Constructability is a methodological and managerial concept that is closely interconnected with sustainability and propels design and construction integration, the utilization of construction knowledge and experience and close stakeholders’ cooperation. Risk analysis, on the other hand, while it constitutes a conceptual and mathematical framework for several methods and tools of project and risk management, it is not yet adequately integrated with the notions of constructability and sustainability, towards the creation of a robust framework for the holistic application of all three concepts. Such a holistic approach could be developed, through the establishment of a procedural methodology, the development of tools, process standardization and the creation of lessons-learned databases. In this work, the theoretical requirements and potential constraints of an integrated framework between constructability, sustainability and risk analysis are investigated through a targeted literature review and analysis. A conceptual schema for this integration is proposed based on the key aspects of lifecycle project management. The applicability of the proposed schema is tested for verification in the case of large bridge construction. As a result, the conceptual definition of an integrated framework for the notions of risk analysis, constructability and sustainability in the lifecycle management of construction projects is proposed, as a first step towards the establishment of a respective holistic and comprehensive methodology.
  •  
36.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988 (author)
  • Variants of Swedish lean construction practices reported in research: systematic literature review and critical analysis
  • 2021
  • In: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management - ASCE. - 1943-7862 .- 0733-9364. ; 147:7
  • Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Identifying lean construction (LC) practice variants can facilitate LC benchmarking and adoption, provided that national institutional influences on LC practices are acknowledged. Given that motivation, this study contributes to identifying LC practice variants in Sweden — therefore mapping that context, but also offering a research template to extrapolate in other construction sectors and thus aid in developing a versatile understanding of LC practices. Methodologically, a systematic literature review captures the related empirical studies, and their themes (industrialized or conventional construction), process coverage (design, production, partnering and stakeholder collaboration, planning, strategy, supply chain), paradigms (systems theory, business economics, behaviorism, interpretivism), and content, are analyzed. Through this analysis, the variants of industrialized construction, production processes, production strategy, design, planning, and logistics and supply chain, were derived — largely indicating that Swedish LC practices primarily focus on improving technical process parameters. But aside such improvements, subpar results of Swedish LC practices have also been observed — which can mean that besides processes, the effect of LC on organizational needs, culture, value streams, development, growth, and human interaction, should be further investigated.
  •  
37.
  • Kifokeris, Dimosthenis, 1988, et al. (author)
  • What is the potential value of tokens and token engineering for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry? A positional paper
  • 2023
  • In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Computing in Construction.
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • What is the value of tokens for blockchain applications in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC)? How can token engineering be contextualized in AEC? This positional paper instigates the tackling of these largely unexplored questions. Following a literature review and a visiting of token engineering fundamentals, the paper’s position is that tokens can indeed hold potential value for AEC. This value can be direct, utilitarian, security-related, and/or pegged, and reflected in technical and economic terms. For this value to be realized, the token must be systematically embedded in the AEC ecosystem – therefore dependent on sociotechnical parameters in AEC.
  •  
38.
  • Koch, Christian, 1958, et al. (author)
  • A human touch? How machine learning can improve project performance
  • 2019
  • In: CIB World Building Congress 2019: ‘Constructing smart cities’, Hong Kong, June 17-21, 2019. - 9789623678216 ; , s. WC0101-01-WC0101-12
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Construction projects are influenced by interrelated issues that may result in cost and/or time overruns, thus affecting the overall project performance. Therefore, a need to develop predictive models is widely highlighted, to aid in decision-making and offer guidance for corrective actions – especially when preparing for the production phase. Predictive models can utilize certain key performance indicators (KPIs). This study aims at investigating possible applications of machine learning (ML) for the development of such predictive models in construction projects, and the way these can impact project performance. Initially, a literature review about ML in the construction context is conducted. Following, two cases of developed ML predictive systems for construction project performance appraisal are presented. The first case is drawing on a productivity survey of 580 construction projects in Sweden, in which the most influential project performance factors are analyzed. The data encompasses project attributes, external influencing factors, and project organization. Statistical correlation is used to find the features that are strongly correlated with four KPIs: cost and time variance, and client and contractor satisfaction. Then, a regression analysis is performed to develop the prediction model. Technical complexity, like the level of prefabrication, are among the features affecting project performance. Moreover, human-related factors (e.g. client role, architect performance, and collaboration level), end up being highly impactful; it derives that they are the most suitable factors for predicting project success. The second case appraises a project’s constructability combined with risk analysis, via a ML model utilizing a restricted dataset of 30 diverse civil engineering projects from several different countries and with very different character; a town square, a biogas plant, road bridges and sub projects from an airport. The development built on a literature study, expert interviews, and unsupervised and supervised ML. The ML-enabled strengths of this model lie more in the novel derivation of construction project risk sources from the related body of literature, as well as the computational and not just conceptual integration of constructability and risk analysis, rather than the system’s coverage of the full corresponding context. It can be concluded that the human touch is still needed in preparing future construction projects – and even more so after the introduction of ML solutions. While ML includes human aspects, such as satisfaction and risk perception translated into concepts and variables, there is also a need for strengthening the human touch of qualified thinking for the related decision-making in construction project processes.
  •  
39.
  • Koch, Christian, 1958, et al. (author)
  • Heavy-duty construction equipment: dinosaurs of black energy?
  • 2021
  • In: Proceedings of the 37th Annual ARCOM Conference, ARCOM 2021. - Leeds : Association of Researchers in Construction Management (ARCOM). - 9780995546356 ; , s. 694-703
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Construction equipment emissions in civil engineering are a major sustainability issue. However, the industry continues investing in diesel (and/or biodiesel) machines - which, even if compliant with EU regulations, are far from “clean”. Cleaner technologies in construction equipment, like electrical engines, are considered more expensive investments; moreover, they are dependent on the available power supply while operating in confined areas. So, transitioning these machines sustainably involves changing technologies, business models, and public regulation. In Scandinavia, heavy-duty engines (over 25 tons) have only recently become (limitedly) available. Therefore, the current paper analyzes enablers and barriers for a sustainable transition of civil engineering construction equipment to onsite electrical machines in Scandinavia. The sustainable transition theory, combined with sustainable business models, serves as the framework of understanding. Empirically, a desk study of governance and regulation is combined with material from four fossil-free test building sites in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. The results highlight the importance of a public-private business model, where public client-driven transition is subsidy-supported (e.g., making electrical equipment available through concession, and encouraging small innovative machine manufacturers to develop electrical equipment), while waiting for international construction equipment players to become transition-ready. Recommendations for the transition thus include strengthening public-private collaboration.
  •  
40.
  • Li, Jennifer, et al. (author)
  • Human-Data Interaction (HDI) and blockchain: an exploration of the open research challenges for the construction community
  • 2023
  • In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Computing in Construction.
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Challenges for human-data interaction (HDI) have not yet been contextualized within blockchain implementation in construction. In this positional paper, a focus group accepts the EC3 HDI Committee’s working definition of construction specific HDI, and identifies technical (immutability, data storage, transparency, system design, integrating technologies), non-technical (ethics, economic models, environmental, political, social), and overlapping (governance, data usage, data analysis, and data control) factors to be considered in the intersection of HDI and blockchain. Those considerations led to open questions for future research efforts – e.g., regarding what data types (and the associated HDI) are suitable when implementing blockchain in the built environment.
  •  
41.
  • Mêda Magalhães, Pedro, et al. (author)
  • A process-based framework for digital building logbooks
  • 2022
  • In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Computing in Construction. - : University of Turin. - 9788875902261 ; III
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Digital building logbooks (DBLs), as repositories of building lifecycle data, can contribute to improving the performance of and decisions about buildings. However, for DBL concept, its required data and the roles of various stakeholders. These are all aspects that need to be investigated. We thus propose a process-based DBL framework integrating data and stakeholder roles. This fulfils key DBL requirements and supports digitalisation of building objects. The research uses a literature review, process mapping, and a focus group to develop and validate the framework. This proposal contributes to the priority actions 1 and 2 of the European Commission’s DBL report.
  •  
42.
  • Shayboun, May, 1990, et al. (author)
  • A comparison of accident causation models (ACMs) and machine learning (ML) for applied analysis within accident reports
  • 2021
  • In: Proceedings of the 37th Annual ARCOM Conference, ARCOM 2021. ; , s. 289-298
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Machine learning (ML)-supported accident prediction models appear as an alternative to the much older accident causation models (ACMs). ACMs represent a simplification of accident processes and resulted loss and play an important role in accident investigations and identifying potential risk factors. This effort investigates ACMs and ML results of accident reports analysis in relation to each other and aims at comparing the latter based on their level of causes, the relationship between causes, and the predictability of severity. A framework of understanding of these main processes and their challenges is provided, which is also used as a methodological framework for the comparison. The comparison is based on a desk study of literature and material on the two types of models. ACMs are different in typology, levels of causes, and the logic through which the analysis of the events that have taken place is conducted. Many ML prediction models in construction not only provide predictions but also result into structures of features which work as predictors, e.g., decision trees. ACMs and ML are different in the task they perform. ML models in the literature are focused on predicting the severity of an event while missing the identification of prevention measures. ACMs focus on the occurrence of unwanted events and lack the ranking of important features. Finally, ML analysis of accident reports need ACMs as a theory to shift focus to risks instead of severity, while interpretable ML algorithms (e.g., RF) appear more capable of complex representations of contributing factors. An unsolved issue is the random element involved in most accident processes.
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43.
  • Shayboun, May, 1990, et al. (author)
  • Construction planning with machine learning
  • 2019
  • In: Association of Researchers in Construction Management, ARCOM 2019 - Proceedings of the 35th Annual Conference. - 9780995546349 ; 2019, s. 699-708
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Over the next years, it is expected that machine learning will be widely implemented within fields in the construction context, such as construction planning. As construction projects tend to be influenced by interrelated issues resulting in cost and/or time overruns and lower performance, it has been continuously attempted to develop predictive planning methods and tools, in order to mitigate such issues. This study aims at investigating possible applications of machine learning for construction planning, noting their impact on project performance, and finally commenting critically on the issues of responsibility in action-taking, accountability in decisionmaking, and the still crucial need for human reasoning. Methodologically, a literature review on machine learning applications in construction project planning is carried out, and then two particular implementation cases are selected for a more in-depth analysis. The first case draws on a productivity survey of construction projects in Sweden, where the relative data is analysed to find the most influential factors behind project performance; then, statistical correlation is used to find the features that are strongly correlated with four performance indicators (cost variance, time variance, and client- and contractor satisfaction), and a supervised machine learning analysis is done to develop a model for predicting project cost, time and satisfaction. The second case elaborates on the appraisal of constructability of civil engineering projects through technical project risk analysis; the model utilizes both unsupervised machine learning for the understanding and pre-processing of data, and supervised machine learning for the development of the predictive system. Following the above analysis, it is argued that there is a need for human reasoning in construction planning, even more so after the introduction of machine learning. It is not enough to include human aspects in the machine learning modelling; it is also crucial to strengthen qualified reasoning in the decision-making for construction project planning and being responsible in action-taking and accountable in decision-making.
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44.
  • Shayboun, May, 1990, et al. (author)
  • Learning from accidents: machine learning prototype development based on the CRISP-DM business understanding
  • 2021
  • In: Proceedings of the Joint CIB W099 & W123 Annual International Conference 2021: Good health, Changes & innovations for improved wellbeing in construction. - 9781914188015 ; , s. 43-53
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Occupational accidents continue to be an unresolved problem in the Swedish construction industry, despite a whole range of routines, campaigns, education, management appraisals, authorities’ enforcement, networks, and research in place. While registered accidents are less frequent, there is a widespread willingness to strive for better performance. A potential solution is to apply more robust data analytics to the large company occupational accident registers, complementing existing regular analysis. Machine learning (ML) can provide a promising solution for strengthening data analysis, and international prototypes of such systems are emerging. However, there is a need to appreciate local and corporate concerns, and the ML development method “Cross Industry Standard Process Development Method” (CRISP-DM) appears to offer just that. This paper aims to analyse experiences and challenges in using the first phase of CRISP-DM, i.e., “business understanding”. The sociomaterial approach serves as the framework of understanding and is supplemented with accident research and ML development concepts. Methodologically, the paper draws on an ongoing research project to develop a ML prototype for occupational accident analysis. It quickly surfaced that CRISP-DM’s “business understanding”, while asking relevant questions in the company context (such as the goal for the model and the relative application), was too general to provide developmental guidelines. We, therefore, shifted from a top-down to a bottom-up approach, where knowledge on accident registration procedures and registered accidents became the starting point for iterative prototype development. Also, early challenges were to understand the registered data extracted from standard software with limited transparency, and tackle register entries of different quality. Apart from CRISPDM’s slightly idealistic approach to a company context, it is important to appreciate the classical decoupling between top management and (bottom) project levels in Swedish contractor companies.
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45.
  • Shayboun, May, 1990-, et al. (author)
  • Machine Learning at Work? The Issue of Data Quality When Developing New Insight in Occupational Accidents
  • 2024
  • In: Computing in Civil Engineering 2023. - Reston, Virginia : American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). - 9780784485248 ; , s. 461-468
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Occupational accidents are an urgent problem in construction. Machine learning (ML) methods for analyzing large amounts of data and the availability of accident report data have generated aspirations for novel learnings. Yet the quality of data in terms of input, inner availability, and output occurs as an issue in many ML development projects. This paper aims at investigating strategies to define, understand, and tackle poor data quality in a contracting company's accident reports. A selective literature review within software system data quality and ML shows different foci on external or internal data. A set of records of occupational accidents are then analyzed. There are many missing entries on causality, as well as shallow descriptions, which hinder the discovery of new risks - possibly due to the data collection format and procedures. The low number of full entries calls for new repair strategies - both externally and internally. © ASCE 2023.All rights reserved.
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46.
  • Shayboun, May, 1990, et al. (author)
  • Machine learning for analysis of occupational accidents registration data
  • 2020
  • In: ARCOM 2020 - Association of Researchers in Construction Management, 36th Annual Conference 2020 - Proceedings. ; , s. 485-494
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Regardless of the efforts of employers and public organizations to eliminate occupational accidents, the latter is a persistent problem in the construction industry. In the Swedish construction context, there is a desire to identify causes and factors playing a role in work-related accident prevention, as there are large underused databases of collected registrations that represent knowledge on causes and the context of accidents. The aim of the current contribution is to review the application of machine learning (ML) in the improved prevention of accidents and corresponding injuries, and to identify current limitations - and most importantly to answer the question of whether ML actually reveals more than what is currently known about accidents in construction. A systematic literature review on the use of ML for analysing data of accident records was carried out. In the reviewed literature, ML was applied in the prediction of accidents or their outcome, and the extraction or identification of the causes affecting the risks of injuries. ML combined with data mining (DM) techniques such as Natural Language Processing and graph mining, appears to be beneficial in discovering associations between different features and in multiple levels of clusters. However, the literature shows that research on ML in accident prevention is at an early stage. The review of the literature indicates gaps in the justification of methodological choices, such as the choice of ML method and data processing. Moreover, characteristics of the injury rates and severity are shown to be clashing with the mechanisms of the ML classification algorithms. This should probably lead to abandoning severity as a parameter and changing the approach towards the asymmetric data classes (denoted "unbalanced" in ML methodology), leaving space for finding the important causes. An overreliance on internal validity testing and lack of external testing of the algorithms’ performance and prediction accuracy persists. Future research needs to focus on methods addressing the problem of data processing, explaining the choice of methods, explaining the results (especially the variance in ML algorithm’s performance), merging different data sources, considering more attributes (such as risk management), applying deep learning algorithms, and improving the testing accuracy of ML models.
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47.
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48.
  • Tegos, Ioannis, et al. (author)
  • Experimental and analytical research on the influence of the shear span ratio on the maximum shear strength of hollow circular R/C cross sections
  • 2013
  • In: fib Symposium TEL-AVIV 2013: Engineering a Concrete Future: Technology, Modeling and Construction, Proceedings. - 9789659203901 ; , s. 369-372
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • This paper investigates a particular problem encountered in the design of reinforced concrete elements of circular hollow cross sections. Such problems still appear to be unclear, due to the fact that the current codes deal, al most exclusively, with the design of rectangular cross sections and no specific provisions are given for other cross sections. Hence, the design of such members is being dealt with either poor methods or with the use of methods that normally apply to rectangular cross sections. Specifically, the research deals with the influence of the shear span ratio on the maximum shear strength of reinforced concrete members with circular hollow cross sections. Six reinforced concrete specimens having a circular hollow cross section have been tested. lt was attempted to verify the accuracy of the proposed analytica(model, which estimates the shear strength for circular hollow R/C cross sections. The study was mainly focused on the shear span ratio, which is the dominant factor in the design of structural elements under shear loading. It is useful to be noted that R/C elements of thin hollow circular cross section are used in the case of bridge piers.
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49.
  • Tegos, Ioannis, et al. (author)
  • Seismic design of R/C piers of hollow circular cross sections
  • 2013
  • In: Proceedings of the 2013 International VAN Earthquake Symposium.
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • Hollow circular cross sections are widely used in piers. However, it is known that they are especially sensitive against inelastic deformation and therefore their use should be avoided, when it comes to ductile seismic resistant bridge systems. Consequently, it is important that such sections are to be utilized in non-ductile systems, namely in cases where the numerical value of the behaviour factor q lies between 1 and 1.5. In such cases, there is a certain level of impact upon their design. As far as the flexural design of hollow circular R/C cross sections is concerned, it should be based on the yield strength of the tension zone rather than the maximum bending strength. The problem of the transverse spiral reinforcements and the question whether the active presence of an inner spiral is actually needed (given that the inner spiral can jeopardize the integrity of a structural element, when there are no additional restraint measures), are also affiliated with the flexural design. On the other hand, the shear design of such sections can be even more difficult, when it comes to both the determination of the transverse spiral reinforcements and the maximum shear strength, which is influenced by the curved struts of the virtual network mechanism. In this paper, a thorough analysis of the design of hollow circular R/C cross sections is attempted, given that the compliance criterion is the value of the flexural yield strength, rather than the maximum failure strength.
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50.
  • Tezel, Algan, et al. (author)
  • A conceptual framework for lean construction and blockchain synergy
  • 2022
  • In: 30th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 2022. - : International Group for Lean Construction. ; , s. 576-587
  • Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
    • 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).
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