Applicability of Blockchain Technology in Managing the Extension of Time Claims: Developing a Prototype User Interface for a Sample Application

Construction delays are a common issue in the industry, leading to cost overruns, disputes, and extension of time (EoT) claims. Effective EoT claims management is crucial in mitigating these impacts, yet the construction sector encounters various challenges in this area regarding the significant number of EoT claims and delayed projects. The construction industry’s resistance to adopting new technologies exacerbates the problem, with many relying on traditional methods that are inefficient and cause disputes. This study focuses on the application of blockchain technology to enhance the management of EoT claims in Sri Lanka. The research findings extended to the development of a blockchain-based prototype user interface for EoT management, which aimed to mitigate the problems in current EoT claims practices and address their drawbacks within the Sri Lankan context while also examining its applicability in this setting. A qualitative research approach coupled with semistructured expert interviews was used for data collection of the study. Phase 1 of the study investigated current EoT claim practices and their drawbacks, while Phase 2 developed a blockchain-based EoT management prototype user interface that focuses on the front end of the sample application, illustrating interactions within the proposed blockchain-based EoT management process. Further, Phase 3 assessed the applicability of the proposed sample application in the Sri Lankan context through a second round of interviews. The findings highlight the potential of blockchain-based technology to address the inefficiencies of existing EoT claims management practices in Sri Lanka. The study makes a valuable contribution to the theory and practice of blockchains in construction EoT management and offers practical solutions through a sample model application to streamline EoT claims processes. Therefore, the findings of the study can help enhance the awareness of the applicability of blockchain technology in managing EoT claims in the Sri Lankan construction industry.