Blockchain of Things and Deep Learning Applications in Construction

lt;p>Prof. Farzad Rahimian is Professor of Digital Engineering and Manufacturing, with a robust research track-record delivering more than 150 quality publications and more than 1600 citations. His research career has been developed through 1) ten years high-quality education in Architecture, Digital Design and Innovative Construction Technologies (from 1996-2002+2007-2010), 2) 20 years' academic work experience, including research-informed teaching and teaching supported research on different areas related to Digital Architecture and IT integrated design and construction (Since 2002), 3) 15 years intensive industry engagement as a full member of Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB-UK) and a First Class Registered Architect (in Iran), and 4) variety of hands-on virtual modelling and development skills and knowledge of different qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. These support his research on various aspects of Construction 4.0 including Digital Twins, Smart Contracts, Building Information Management/Modelling (BIM), Distributed Ledger Technology, Big Data, IA/Machine-Learning, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Smart Homes, IoT, Cybernetics and use of Smart Agents within the built environment, Virtual Prototyping and use of VR/AR/MR interfaces for building simulation, automation and integration of design, Offsite Construction, Lean and Six Sigma thinking and development of new business models for integrated construction. Farzad has also successfully led several high profile research projects - from InnovateUK, through to Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), European Regional Development Funds (ERDF), Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), Scottish Funding Council (SFC), Data Lab, and Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC). This expertise and standing are also recognised through a number of high profile bodies, including the International Council for Building (CIB) and buildingSMART International. Dr Rahimian has more than 10 years experience of leading international journals as editor, co-editor, guest editor and editorial board member. He is the Editor in Chief for the Emerald Journal of Smart and Sustainable Built Environment; ISSN: 2046-6099. 

Dr. Faris Elghaish is a lecturer in Construction Project Management at the School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast (QUB). He is endorsed as exceptional promise in the field of the built environment from the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2021. Faris has carried out extensive research in the field of BIM, Artificial Intelligence, cost optimisation/automation, and decentralised systems (i.e., Blockchain and smart contracts). Faris has developed many workable solutions to automate processes and tasks based on integrating emerging technologies into BIM. For example, Faris has developed a decentralized cost management system using blockchain and BIM; BIM-based web management system to enable sharing risk/reward automatically for Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach; and Circular Supply Chain solution-based blockchain.

Faris has intensive experience in computational design-based BIM through using visual programming tools such as Autodesk Dynamo in integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly, deep learning in order to automate implementing BIM tasks. For example, developing an automated 3D BIM model based on client requirements through integrating deep learning into BIM. Furthermore, Faris has participated in a project to develop an automated maintenance system using AI (deep learning).

Faris has also published more than 20 journal articles in top-ranked journals and served as a guest editor for special issues about digital construction. 

In addition to the academic experience, Faris was working as a site engineer and site manager. For example, he was responsible to manage a refurbishment of a hospital with a budget of $ 15 million.

Dr. Sepehr Abrishami is a sen

Blockchain applications in Construction: A comprehensive review.- Scientometric analysis of blockchain uses in construction.- Internet of Things (IoT) applications in Construction: A comprehensive review.- Blockchain of Things (BCoT): Beyond the concept.- Integrated Project Delivery with Blockchain: Sharing risk/reward system.- The feasibility of blockchain for Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): An exploratory Study.- A decentralised financial system-based blockchain: Towards digitalised construction.- A comprehensive solution for financial challenges in the construction industry: Blockchain-based solution.- Smart Common Data Environment (SCDE) based blockchain: An automated collaboration platform.- Deep learning applications in the construction industry: A critical analysis.- Developing a new deep learning CNN model to detect and classify highway cracks.- An optimized CNN model to detect irregular pavement distresses: Face recognition-based solution.- Integrating Artificial intelligence into immersive and drones technologies: A conceptual framework and practical use cases.