Why is the integration of bim and blockchain is still not easy

A new study in Buildings Plus more closely why the integration of construction of construction information (BIM) with blockchain, two technologies often considered as a natural adjustment in intelligent construction, is always so difficult.

By combining the structural interpretation modeling (ISM) with the demaper analysis, researchers unpack how 13 basic barriers interact, influence each other and shape the wider integration landscape.

Why it matters

BIM has become a must for digital construction, improving the collaboration, precision and visualization of the project. The blockchain, on the other hand, is gaining ground for its ability to provide secure and decentralized data management – an attractive perspective for contract management, payments and supply chains. Together, these tools could rationalize processes, increase confidence between stakeholders and improve data integrity throughout the construction life cycle.

But despite the potential, combining them remains a complex challenge.

The study identifies three categories of global barriers: technological, organizational and environmental. On the technical side, problems such as data redundancy and confidentiality problems make risky integration. Organization, many construction companies do not have knowledge, experience or conscience to manage such a change. And although the technological side has been widely studied, there is much less work on how to implement and manage integration into real world parameters.

Study approach

To explore these challenges, the authors used a hybrid research method: a review of the literature followed by an expert contribution. They contacted 36 professionals active in intelligent construction and blockchain; 15 participated, bringing at least eight years of experience in BIM, blockchain or construction management. These experts came from large construction companies, universities and engineering consultants.

The study collected data in two phases:

1. ISM phase: Experts evaluated the relations between barriers using a symbolic system (“V”, “A”, “X”, “O”), which led to a structural self-interaction matrix.
2. Display phase: Based on the results of the ISM, the experts evaluated the influence between key barriers on a scale of 0 (no influence) to 4 (very high influence).

Key conclusions

ISM analysis revealed a hierarchy of five -level barriers:

• High level barriers—The risks of investment and return (B8), unclear value proposition (B9) and attitudes of stakeholders (B10) – Reflection of hesitation around adoption.
• Lower level barriers– High initial cost (B7) and legal / regulatory problems (B13) – Perform as deep causes, shaping all other challenges.
• Intermediate level barriers– including gaps in technological maturity, training and standards – both influence and are influenced by other layers.

The Micmac analysis has gathered these barriers according to their influence:

• Group of dependents: B8 – B10, lack of confidence (B11) and workflow changes (B12) – More affected by other factors than they influence it.
• Liaison group: B1 – B4 – Technical barriers such as the immaturity of infrastructure, integration complexity, data security and missing standards.
• Independent group: B5 – B7, B13 – Factors that stimulate many of the system challenges.
• No autonomous obstacle were found, stressing the interconnection of all problems.

Dematel then classified each barrier by centrality and identified cause and effect relationships. Technical and regulatory problems (B1 – B7, B13) were the main engines, while organizational barriers and based on perception (B8 – B12) were mainly the results of these deeper challenges.

Final reflections

This study provides a structured vision and based on evidence of what hinders the integration of bim -blockchain – not only technical problems, but the wider network of influences that shape adoption. It is a useful roadmap for construction companies, technological developers and political decision -makers who seek to prioritize where intervention is most necessary.

However, there are limits. The expert sample was mainly based in China, which can limit how the results apply in other regions. And since the study relied on the judgment and literature of experts, it can reflect certain biases or shortcomings in perspective. Larger and data studies – including real world pilots – are necessary to test and rely on these ideas.

Reference to the newspaper

An, Q., Bi, X., Xu, Y., Chong, H.-Y., & Liao, X. (2025). Analysis of the barriers of Bim and Blockchain integration: a hybrid-ism-Dematel approach. Buildings,, 15(8), 1370. Doi: 10.3390/Buildings15081370, https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/8/1370

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