Blockchain of Things and Deep Learning Applications in Construction : Digital Construction Transformation

This book significantly contributes the digital transformation of construction. The book explores the capabilities of deep learning to provide smart solutions for the construction industry, particularly in areas of managing equipment, design optimization, energy optimization and detect cracks for buildings and highways. It provides conceptual solutions but also practical techniques. A new deep learning CNN-based highway cracks detection is demonstrated, and its usefulness is tested. The resulting deep learning CNN model will enable users to scan long distance of highway and detect types of cracks accurately in a very short time compared to traditional approaches.

The book explores the integration of IoT and blockchain to provide practical solutions to tackle existing challenges like the endemic fragmentation in supply chain, the need for monitoring construction projects remotely and tracking equipment on the site. The Blockchain of Things (BCoT) concept has been introduced to exploit the advantages of IoT and blockchain, and different applications were developed based on this integration in leading industries such as shared economy and health care. Workable potential use cases to exploit successful utilization of BCoT for the construction industry are explored in the book’s chapters.

This book will appeal to researchers in providing a comprehensive review of related literature on blockchain, the IoT and construction identify gaps and offer a springboard for future research. Construction practitioners, research and development institutes and policy makers will also benefit from its usefulness as a reference book and collection of case studies on the application of these new approaches in construction.

Prof. Farzad Rahimian is Professor of Digital Engineering and Manufacturing, with a robust research track-record delivering more than 150 quality publications and more than 1600 citations. His research career has been developed through 1) ten years high-quality education in Architecture, Digital Design and Innovative Construction Technologies (from 1996-2002+2007-2010), 2) 20 years’ academic work experience, including research-informed teaching and teaching supported research on different areas related to Digital Architecture and IT integrated design and construction (Since 2002), 3) 15 years intensive industry engagement as a full member of Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB-UK) and a First Class Registered Architect (in Iran), and 4) variety of hands-on virtual modelling and development skills and knowledge of different qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. These support his research on various aspects of Construction 4.0 including Digital Twins, Smart Contracts, Building Information Management/Modelling (BIM), Distributed Ledger Technology, Big Data, IA/Machine-Learning, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Smart Homes, IoT, Cybernetics and use of Smart Agents within the built environment, Virtual Prototyping and use of VR/AR/MR interfaces for building simulation, automation and integration of design, Offsite Construction, Lean and Six Sigma thinking and development of new business models for integrated construction. Farzad has also successfully led several high profile research projects – from InnovateUK, through to Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), European Regional Development Funds (ERDF), Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Data Lab, and Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC). This expertise and standing are also recognised through a number of high profile bodies, including the International Council for Building (CIB) and buildingSMART International. Dr Rahimian has more than 10 years experience of leading international journals as editor, co-editor, guest editor and editorial board member. He is the Editor in Chief for the Emerald Journal of Smart and Sustainable Built Environment; ISSN: 2046-6099. 

Dr. Faris Elghaish is a lecturer in Construction Project Management at the School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). He is endorsed as exceptional promise in the field of the built environment from the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2021. Faris has carried out extensive research in the field of BIM, Artificial Intelligence, cost optimisation/automation, and decentralised systems (i.e., Blockchain and smart contracts). Faris has developed many workable solutions to automate processes and tasks based on integrating emerging technologies into BIM. For example, Faris has developed a decentralized cost management system using blockchain and BIM; BIM-based web management system to enable sharing risk/reward automatically for Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach; and Circular Supply Chain solution-based blockchain.

Faris has intensive experience in computational design-based BIM through using visual programming tools such as Autodesk Dynamo in integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly, deep learning in order to automate implementing BIM tasks. For example, developing an automated 3D BIM model based on client requirements through integrating deep learning into BIM. Furthermore, Faris has participated in a project to develop an automated maintenance system using AI (deep learning).

Faris has also published more than 20 journal articles in top-ranked journals and served as a guest editor for special issues about digital construction. 

In addition to the academic experience, Faris was working as a site engineer and site manager. For example, he was responsible to manage a refurbishment of a hospital with a budget of $ 15 million.

Dr. Sepehr Abrishami is a senior lecturer and programme leader for BIM-related postgraduate courses at the University of Portsmouth, UK. He is an Architect and researcher with experience working in Europe and the Middle East. He began his international career with the creation of the AA Design Studio, where he executed multiple architectural and interior design projects, winning several architectural design projects including hotels, residential complexes, and a bank. Research experience embraces several novel and innovative areas, from BIM, automation in design and construction though to: prefabrication and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA); Blockchain and Smart Contracts, and environmental design. Specialisms include: generative and parametric evolutionary design; digital design and construction; IT integrated architectural design; and the application of Blockchain technology to promote the digital transformation of AEC. 

Dr. Tara Brooks is a senior lecturer at Queen’s University with 20 years’ construction industry experience. She qualified as a chartered Architect at UCL in 2000 and worked in London for companies including Foster and Partners as an Architect and then Associate. She moved to Belfast and in 2010 started working as a Bid Manager in the contracting sector. She has been the programme director for the MSc in BIM Project Management at Queen’s since 2018.

Returning to university as a mature student, she studied part time for an MSc in Construction Project Management at Queen’s, completing in 2014. She seeks to bridge academic research, teaching and practice, as exemplified by her participation in successful KTP Projects, including those looking at BIM implementation, digital tool exploitation, and BIM automation. She gained her PhD in 2020. Tara’s areas of research interest include construction quality management, procurement, and BIM and emerging digital technology.

Professor Nashwan Dawood is a specialist in project construction management and the application of IT in the construction process including whole "Information Life Cycle" of Buildings, BIM technologies and processes, sustainability, Information Technologies and Systems. He has extensive experience of leading internationally recognised research work in BIM technology and processes and in the application of 5D modelling in construction processes and has successfully generated peer reviewed funded projects from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Technology Strategy Board, and EU / Framework Programme. Professor Dawood also has significant and long-standing experience of working with major industrial partners in the UK and internationally to develop and apply research results as part of further collaborative projects. In particular he is currently running international research and development projects in the areas of 5D modelling, serious game engine technology application to training and ICT (for energy efficient buildings Professor Dawood has published over 180 research papers and sits on the editorial board of a number of journals and conferences. His work has been recognised outside of the academic sphere, for the Constructing Excellence.