# The Role of Blockchain in Improving the Processes and Workflows in Construction Projects
## 1 Introduction
To improve the construction process without the need for costly intermediaries, blockchain technologies can be integrated in project processes [11]. Moreover, blockchain technologies decentralize information by empowering all parties involved in the process which improves transparency. Blockchain technologies are considered to be mainstream, especially in a conservative sector such as the construction industry, which has been known to be slow in adopting technological advances, especially in relation to the improvement of its processes and workflows. However, there have been several applications that have demonstrated outstanding results in overcoming some issues in the construction industry. The Australian National Blockchain Roadmap Steering Committee estimated that the global market for blockchain construction projects is expected to be worth around USD 200 billion by 2025 [12]. The market for Blockchain in construction is estimated to grow from USD 7.92 million in 2016 to USD 164.5 million by 2021, at a compound annual growth rate of 70%. The key factors driving this growth are the use of blockchain-based contracts, an increased transparency and traceability through smart contracts, and an improved flow of information [13]. This study aims to explore how construction projects could benefit from implementing blockchain technologies to improve the efficiency of their processes and workflows, as well as to identify the potential, limitations, and challenges in the construction industry. This is valid for tracking materials, installations, audits, deliveries, and payments. It also has the potential to build a trusted and consensus-based reputation ledger for contractors and subcontractors by relying on their service records [14]. In addition, delays and disputes negatively impact the quality and cost of construction projects. For instance, Nomanet al. [15] revealed that 662 projects worth SAR 40 billion (USD 12 billion) were delayed significantly. On the other hand, according to the consulting firm Arcadis's \"2020 Global Construction Disputes Report\", the average value of construction disputes in the Middle East has averaged USD 62 million compared to USD 30.7 million globally. Moreover, disputes have been reported to extend over 17 months on average in the Middle East, compared to 15 months globally [6]. Despite the diverse impact of blockchain technologies in resolving the construction industry's challenges, few papers have addressed blockchain in the construction industry [16; 17; 18]. Moreover, no studies have focused on the role of blockchain in improving the processes and workflows within construction projects. Specifically, no studies have addressed the ways in which the causes of disputes and delays of construction projects can be resolved. Moreover, the available studies of delays and disputes have ignored the possibility of using modern solutions to improve the situation and to minimize the impact of delays and disputes. Consequently, this paper aims to identify the areas of the construction industry in which blockchain has been demonstrated to be useful, as well as explore the most common cases for implementing blockchain technologies in the construction industry. It also identifies the challenges and benefits of blockchain in the construction industry in order to improve construction processes and workflows. Furthermore, it proposes practical solutions from the literature to resolve the identified causes of disputes and delays.