A governance-based framework for Blockchain adoption in construction data management

Construction projects generate extensive project information; however, construction data management (CDM) remains fragmented, insecure, and weakly governed, particularly in developing economies. Empirical evidence on blockchain (BC) as an integrated governance infrastructure for CDM remains limited in such contexts. This study investigates the perceived potential of BC to address CDM challenges in the Sri Lankan construction industry and develops a Blockchain Adoption Decision Framework for Construction Data Management (BADF-CDM). A sequential mixed-method approach was adopted: questionnaire survey of 35 construction and IT professionals, analysed using the Relative Importance Index, followed by 13 semi-structured expert interviews analysed through manual content analysis. Mappings between CDM challenges and BC capabilities, and between adoption barriers and implementation strategies, were reviewed through a focus group discussion and integrated into the BADF-CDM. Limited real-time data access, weak data security, weak version control, and system interoperability emerged as critical CDM challenges. BC capabilities, particularly security, transparency, auditability, immutability, and decentralisation, were perceived as relevant to addressing them. However, adoption depends on organisational readiness, including leadership commitment, technical capability, workforce skills, and regulatory support. BADF-CDM provides an evidence-informed framework for identifying CDM challenges, selecting BC capabilities, assessing adoption barriers, and planning phased adoption.