Smart Contract Implementation in Building Information Modeling–Enabled Projects: Approach to Contract Administration

The detailed practices for smart contract implementation can be complicated when working under building information modeling (BIM)–enabled projects, especially from the perspective of contract administration. This research aims to explore and determine effective contractual practices and their associated contract provisions for smart contract implementation in BIM-enabled projects. A mixed-methods approach was adopted based on an exploratory case study and a questionnaire survey. The qualitative findings were used to initially identify the core criteria of the contractual aspects associated with smart contracts. Quantitative analysis was then applied to determine the critical contract provisions. This research provides new insights and practical knowledge toward implementing legally sound smart contracts in BIM-enabled projects through the contractual aspects of (1) contractual relationships and obligations, (2) security and privacy, and (3) other specific terms and overall contract structure. A contract framework is also developed for future research and practice of smart contract implementation in BIM-enabled projects.