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.@en

Purpose This research investigates the distinct characteristics of blockchain technology to safeguard against the deterioration of handover information quality in the post-construction phase. The significance of effective management of handover information is highlighted by global building failures, such as the Grenfell Tower fire in London, UK. Despite existing technological interventions, there remains a paucity of understanding regarding the factors contributing to the decline in the quality of handover information during the post-construction phase. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a multi-case studies approach across five higher education institutions. It involved conducting semi-structured interviews with 52 asset management professionals, uncovering the underlying reasons for the decline in handover information quality. Building on these insights, the study performed a mapping exercise to align these identified factors with blockchain technology features and information quality dimensions, aiming to evaluate blockchain’s potential in managing quality handover information. Findings The study findings suggest that blockchain technology offers advantages but has limitations in addressing all the identified quality issues of managing handover information. Due to the lack of an automated process and file-based information exchange, updating handover information still requires an error-prone manual process, leading to potential information loss. Additionally, no solutions are available for encoding drawings for updates and validation. Originality/value This study proposes a framework integrating blockchain to enhance the information management process and improve handover information quality.@en

The thermal performance of adaptive building envelopes can be evaluated using building performance simulation tools. Simulation capabilities and accuracy in predicting the dynamic behaviour of adaptive building envelopes can be enhanced through co-simulation. However, it is unclear how accurately co-simulation can predict the performance of adaptive building envelopes and how the accuracy of adaptive building envelope models created in co-simulation setups can be assessed and validated. Therefore, this study presents new evidence on the empirical validation of co-simulation setups for adaptive building envelopes by establishing an assessment framework to determine the extent to which they can accurately represent the real world. The framework was applied to a case study to validate a co-simulation setup for a blind automation system using monitored data from MATELab, a full-scale outdoor test facility with realistic indoor and outdoor conditions. The validation of the co-simulation model of MATELab resulted in a median CV-RMSE index, a measure of model accuracy, of 5.9%. This indicates that the simulated data points have a small variance relative to the measured data points, showing a good model fit. In the future, modellers from the façade community can use the assessment framework for their co-simulation setups.@en

The construction industry is characterised by a high level of fragmentation, inefficient collaboration and a lack of trust between project stakeholders. Issues due to the fragmented nature of the construction industry are extenuated from centralised Building Information Modelling approaches. Blockchain technology can help address information management issues by providing data traceability, transparency, and immutability. First, this paper reviews centralised and decentralised approaches to lifecycle information management. Second, a conceptual framework for decentralised information management workflow based on blockchain technology and the Inter-Planetary File System is proposed. Smart contracts can improve the information flow between different phases by providing more accountability.@en

The basic premise of a Common Data Environment (CDE) proposed by ISO19650 is exposing all relevant data as a single source of truth for all stakeholders. This work investigates tools currently used as CDE solutions in the industry and their practical challenges. Data was collected through a web search, a survey, and semi-structured interviews with industry professionals. Twelve tools were identified and compared in a desk review providing insights into their strengths and weaknesses. The results show that multiple CDEs are needed throughout the project lifecycle as no tool on the market can provide required functionalities in all lifecycle phases.@en