Harnessing Blockchain-enabled Digital Twins for Building Commissioning: examining practitioners’ perspectives

Purpose The rapid technological advancements in the Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Facility Management (AEC-FM) sector highlight the need to explore emerging technologies for improving the Building Commissioning (BCx) process, a critical phase in a building’s lifecycle. However, limited research in this area and the sector’s preference for traditional methods hinder awareness of these technologies. This paper aims to bridge this gap by examining the relevance and synergistic potential of Blockchain (BC) and Digital Twins (DT) to enhance BCx and the technology-driven considerations for their integration. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a qualitative approach to gain insights from AEC-FM practitioners. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants, selected using purposeful sampling. Thematic analysis, aided by NVivo 12 software, was utilised to identify key themes regarding the relevance of BC-enabled DT and the technological considerations for effective implementation. Findings The findings underscore the relevance of BC-enabled DTs in facilitating improved data accessibility, enhanced data security, better decision support, and real-time monitoring during BCx. Furthermore, the emerging insights emphasise the need to address technology-driven factors, including the availability of requisite infrastructure, seamless integration with existing systems and processes, and the scalability requirements essential for their effective deployment. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its exploration of the synergistic potential of BC and DT, emphasising their significance for BCx. The insights gained could prove pivotal in guiding stakeholders and policymakers toward effective adoption and implementation while also significantly aiding the industry’s progress in digital transformation.