A model for a blockchain technology system to improve road infrastructure: a case of the Department of Roads

Abstract

This study sought to develop a model for the adoption of a block chain technology system to improve road infrastructure. The objective of the study was to harness the benefits of blockchain technology to help overcome the numerous issues encountered during the life cycle of road infrastructure projects. This work focuses on the principles of blockchain technology, the road infrastructure industry, and information exchange. Two studies were carried out that fall within the purview of this research. Focus groups were first utilized to determine where the road infrastructure sector sits in relation to Industry 4.0 and to obtain a deeper understanding of knowing when and how to apply the concepts of blockchain technology to project management in the road infrastructure industry. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between the road infrastructure and blockchain technology domains, semi-structured interviews were administered to specialists in both fields. Technology enablers and barriers were investigated in order to increase information exchange within the road infrastructure industry, based on the findings of the two studies. The results of the two studies demonstrated a substantial and robust relationship between information sharing, project management in the road infrastructure industry, and the principles of blockchain technology. This research demonstrated the importance of trust in laying the groundwork for effective communication and an accurate exchange of information. In the context of information exchange, it was shown in this research that the concepts of blockchain technology may be applied to road infrastructure projects to improve transparency, traceability, and immutability throughout the entire cycle. The Construction industry has a complex structure with multiple parties involved, which often leads to adversarial relationships, risk avoidance, and a lack of trust among the different actors. This culture is further compounded by a linear workflow that often results in low efficiency, delays, rework, and unnecessary waste. Blockchain technology can help to mitigate these issues by creating a decentralised and transparent system, where all the actors can have access to a shared database that allows tracking and monitoring the different stages of the project, and even automate some processes, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing delays and rework. This study highlights the advantages of blockchain technology, particularly how it can provide a single source of truth for project data while allowing multiple parties to access and share data in a secure and transparent way, improving the workflow of projects and decreasing the likelihood of errors, mistakes, or fraudulent activity.