Framework for Automated Billing in the Construction Industry Using BIM and Smart Contracts

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) represents the application of digital building models to improve project-wide collaboration. With the help of building information models, elements with tendering information, construction work to be carried out, quantities to be processed, planned times and subcontractors commissioned can be described in an integrated way. However, digital models are currently still little used for the automated billing of construction work. In this paper, an approach is presented to make contract management and payment within construction projects simpler, more transparent and more automated. The implementation takes place with the help of Smart Contracts, which are linked to digital building information models. For this purpose, a billing model and processes for checking the contract are defined on the basis of the building elements, determined quantities and defined construction works. If the contracted construction has been checked and accepted, the payment procedure is started automatically. The Smart Contract, as well as the individual transactions, are managed using Blockchain technology. Detailed contract data and execution information is stored in a common data environment (CDE) and linked to the Smart Contract. The concept for the realization of “BIM contracts” as well as aspects of the implementation are presented in this paper. Finally, we discuss several aspects for improvement and further development in the future.