**6. Conclusions**

This article advanced the state of knowledge primarily by the contribution of a proof of concept prototype for integrating blockchain and BIM for supply chain data delivery. In doing so, this paper demonstrated a step-by-step methodology starting from understanding the current business scenario and proposing logical system architecture, selecting a blockchain platform, designing system architecture related to technologies, and prototyping development and evaluation. The deployment of the system prototype for the virtual business scenario revealed that organizations are keen on transforming this solution to the commercialization stage not only to guarantee a trustworthy digital delivery but also to preserve a competitive advantage. There is a value in centrally linking the on-chain supply chain data delivery using the URL (XML format) as it ensures that the software prototype offers a vendor-agnostic solution that is interoperable with various BIM vendor's software packages. The system prototype proved Hyperledger Fabric's suitability for integration and provided a solution compatible with many BIM software vendors. The Hyperledger Fabric architecture enables high levels of flexibility and privacy in its design and implementation, making it suited for a variety of built environment applications. It helps achieve privacy by

requiring permission to read and write using a permission paradigm that is characterized by the capacity to modify the state of the ledger community.

This study's recommended strategy for the integration of BIM and blockchain took into account construction supply chain data delivery for handover and operation throughout the building phase. Future research might leverage these results to build methodologies for other project phases, such as design (pre-construction) or facilities management (postconstruction). Future development of the system prototype might concentrate on using the GAF to automate code verification techniques for routing data that must be saved in the blockchain system. This might need the creation of a computable representation of stated rules and data exchange protocols between the various framework components and BIM data. Legality is one of the most daunting blockchain-related concerns, according to industry insiders. Future construction research should concentrate on collaborating closely with legal specialists to investigate the legal implications of blockchain technology, the use of smart contracts in addition to conventional contracts, and the necessary revisions to contract language.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization, A.A.H., S.P., R.N.C. and A.M.A.; methodology, A.A.H., S.P., R.N.C. and A.M.A.; validation, A.A.H.; formal analysis, A.A.H.; writing—review and editing, A.A.H., S.P., R.N.C. and A.M.A.; supervision, S.P., R.N.C. and A.M.A. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research was funded by the Centre for Smart Modern Construction and the School of Engineering, Design, and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Australia.

**Data Availability Statement:** Interview transcripts and interpreted statements supporting this study's findings and the smart contract codes are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

**Acknowledgments:** The authors acknowledge the contributors of the Centre for Smart Modern Construction, the School of Engineering, Design, and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Australia, and the case study organizations that participated in the web-based maturity assessment.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.

#### **Abbreviations**


