ITcon Vol. 28, pg. 711-734, http://www.itcon.org/2023/37

Blockchain and City Information Modeling (CIM): A New Approach of Transparency and Efficiency

DOI:10.36680/j.itcon.2023.037
submitted:May 2023
revised:October 2023
published:November 2023
editor(s):Kumar B
authors:Oluwatoyin Lawal
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
email: o.lawal@ufl.edu

Nawari O. Nawari, Ph.D., PE, F.ASCE
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
email: nnawari@ufl.edu
summary:For over a decade, digital modelling has transcended geometric representations to more advanced object-based modelling using real-life attirbutes. Digital technologies, especially Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been widely adopted in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry, while a newer niche - City Information Modelling (CIM) has emerged as an extension of BIM for urban informatics. This research proposes a framework that integrates heterogeneous CIM using a multi-level, nested data environment. The CIM is developed through a network of BIM models synchronized into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) interface. The individual BIM models are blockchain-enabled by connecting them to a distributed ledger and shared across a network of project collaborators using a Common Data Environment (CDE) in a Building Level Framework.. The resulting CIM from the network of BIM models is shared between the asset owners in a City Level Framework. Use case scenarios are presented to illustrate the application of the research in real life, and research limitations are discussed. The study aims to improve management of buildings and urban assets, providing a more efficient and secure platform for collaboration and data sharing through a blockchain-CIM integration, providing opportunities for further research in digital modelling and smart technologies.
keywords:Blockchain Technologies, Distributed Ledger Technologies, BIM, CIM, Nested Data Environment
full text: (PDF file, 1.632 MB)
citation:Lawal O, Nawari N O (2023). Blockchain and City Information Modeling (CIM): A New Approach of Transparency and Efficiency, ITcon Vol. 28, pg. 711-734, https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2023.037
statistics: