Motivation and research question

The increasing digitalization, ongoing change and necessary flexibilization in the AEC industry require new business models, approaches and processes. On the one hand, existing technologies such as BIM, which are not yet fully exploited, offer help, on the other hand, technological advances such as blockchain and smart contracts offer support. Together, these offer new opportunities for automating processes in the value chain and for greater transparency in the building life cycle, enabling the tracking and verifiability of data changes from planning to demolition, and optimizing and increasing the reuse and recycling potential in the end-of-life (EoL) phase.

The following research questions are being investigated in DiCYCLE: How can EoL processes be standardized and adapted for digitization to enable optimized reuse and recycling? Which EoL databases change over time and need to be integrated into BIM continuously and traceably for EoL? How can these processes be realized in new digital business models and implemented in a traceable, verifiable and transparent manner with BC and SC?

Initial situation/status quo

The digitalization in the AEC industry (architecture, engineering, construction) is progressing slowly, and the major challenges associated with it are also reflected in the slow introduction of innovative technologies. To implement digital technologies and methods in the building life cycle, it is necessary to capture processes and working methods in design, construction, operation, remodeling, and demolition (end of life [EoL]) and adapt them to incorporate digital technologies. Currently available software tools do not yet correspond to the practices and workflows of end users, as Building Information Modeling-based building models (BIM models) are used by many different stakeholders in planning, construction and operation, usually in isolation and only phase- and area-specifically. Furthermore, standardized processes for a BIM-based conversion and end-of-life phase are needed, which also enable the implementation of digital tools.

Project contents and objectives

The aim of DiCYCLE is to analyze, map and optimize end-of-life processes in the construction industry by combining digital technologies – BIM, blockchain (BC) and smart contracts (SC). The aim is to develop new business models and enable sustainable digitized construction and planning processes that allow for the reuse and recycling of building materials and components throughout the entire life cycle, as well as clearly defining the responsibilities and roles of those responsible for the model. With the developed integral DiCYCLE framework for E-o-L processes, relevant data is integrated into BIM, made verifiable and traceable via BC and finally linked for the entire life cycle, thus supporting transparent, recycling-friendly recording and tracking of components and building materials and minimizing construction and demolition waste in line with the circular economy.

Methodical procedure

The research project focuses on the following aspects: on the one hand, on Building Information Modeling-based building models (BIM models) that correspond to the actual as-built state, and on the other hand, on process flows that describe both data changes and construction work that has been carried out. In doing so, data structures for EoL-relevant information are identified and linked to BIM. The integration of the necessary data sets and the mechanisms for verifiability via BC-based technologies and SC are to be developed for the reuse and recycling of building materials and components of a consistent digital building model and to enable early EoL assessments. In addition, a framework concept is being developed as a proof of concept that enables the implementation of BIM, BC and SC in EoL. The project thus represents the continuation of the framework developed in the research projects BIMd.sign and FMChain for the implementation of BC and SC in BIM-based planning (BIMd.sign) and operation (FMChain). The innovation of the project thus lies in the integrative perspective of EoL data and processes, their coupling with BIM and the verifiability/traceability through BC and SC.

Scenarios for the implementation of BC and SC of different business models are tested and evaluated using test cases. Finally, the required data sets for the BIM- and SC-supported EoL processes (e.g. key performance indicators) are integrated into the planning phase (BIM "as-planned") to enable EoL prediction in the earliest planning phases.

Results and conclusions

Scenarios for the implementation of BC and SC of the various digital business models were explored and evaluated using test cases. The DiCYCLE framework was developed as a decentralized, trustworthy tool for process management in the construction industry as part of the research project. This addresses the key challenges of handling sensitive process data and ensuring data integrity – particularly in the context of the reuse and recycling of building materials – by demonstrating how digital technologies can be used as a basis for transparent, sustainable and resource-efficient processes. New business models and EoE strategies can be derived and serve as a planning and decision-making aid for builders/investors, thus strengthening the circular economy in the construction industry in general. DiCYCLE is thus making a scientifically sound contribution to the digitalization of the circular economy's value creation processes in AEC.

Outlook

A forward-looking topic that emerged during the course of the project is the introduction of digital product passports (DPPs) at the European level, which will gradually become mandatory from 2027. This development opens up a new field of application for blockchain-based verification, for example in the documentation of material properties, recycling rates or the environmental impact of products. In particular, in the construction and recycling sectors, the Framework DiCYCLE could serve as a supporting infrastructure here – either in addition to existing systems or for processes not yet regulated.

Project management

Senior Scientist Dr. Marijana Sreckovic - Institute of Interdisciplinary Construction Process Management, Department of Integrated Planning and Industrial Building, TU Wien

Project or cooperation partners

• Ao.Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Wolfgang Kastner - Institut für Computer Engineering, Automation Systems, TU Wien
• DI Thomas Romm - Architekt DI Thomas Romm ZT
• Peter Heinrich - Kranner GmbH
• Peter Kneidinger - materialnomaden GmbH

TU Vienna - Institute of Interdisciplinary Construction Process Management
Department of Integrated Planning and Industrial Building
Senior Scientist Dr. Marijana Sreckovic
Karlsplatz 13/234-02
A-1040 Wien
Tel: +43 (1) 58801-21525
E-mail: marijana.sreckovic@tuwien.ac.at
Website: www.industriebau.tuwien.ac.at/
Website Project: www.industriebau.tuwien.ac.at/forschung/forschungsprojekte/dicycle/