Exploring the Potential of Digital Signature of Building Information Models to Improve Trust, Transparency, and Traceability in Construction Projects
摘要
The way projects are planned, constructed, and managed in the built asset industry is currently being transformed by the utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM has emerged as a powerful set of policies, processes and tools that provides a collaborative ecosystem for stakeholders to share and manage project information. However, the digital nature of information models presents unique challenges, particularly in terms of data integrity and authentication. This paper aims to review the existing literature on the authentication of BIMs in construction projects and explore the potential of adding digital signatures to BIM models as a solution to address identified challenges around data compliance and integrity. The paper will explore the benefits of digital signatures in terms of enhancing trust, accountability, traceability, and transparency in construction projects by ensuring that the digitally signed content has not been tampered with and that they originate from a verified source. This is crucial in a collaborative environment where multiple stakeholders and teams contribute to creating, modifying, and using the model. Furthermore, digital signatures could be beneficial in resolution of conflicts like contractual disputes by providing a non-reputable, verifiable, and traceable record of model changes and approvals.