CBPM Conference 2026 · Vol. 2026, Issue 1

Blockchain-Enabled Solutions in Construction Dispute Resolution: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis

Emmanuel D. Oyelami, Molusiwa S. Ramabodu, Samuel H.P. Chikafalimani, Imoleayo A. Awodele

Keywords: Blockchain technology, Claims, Construction disputes, Dispute resolution, Smart contracts

Abstract

This study systematically investigates blockchain-enabled dispute resolution within the construction domain. Notably, a gap still exists in systematic quantification and thematic mapping that directly addresses construction disputes. Thus, the study examines the key constructs, research directions, and theme development in blockchainbased approaches to construction dispute resolution, using a combined bibliometric and thematic analysis. The study employs a quantitative bibliometric design, based on peer-reviewed publications from the Scopus database, spanning 2017 to 2025. It also includes qualitative thematic interpretation of keyword clusters and key publications to support the bibliometric results. The search string TITLE-ABS-KEY (blockchain AND (construction OR "built environment") AND ("dispute resolution" OR claims OR arbitration OR litigation OR "smart contracts"). This study is limited to English-language publications indexed in Scopus, excluding industry and legal reports. A total of 147 documents were analysed for the study using VOSviewer software. The results show a steady increase in scholarly publications over time. The network visualisation demonstrates that four thematic pillars emanated from bibliometric analysis: decentralised digital governance for dispute prevention, blockchain-enabled supply chain and lifecycle accountability, smart contract–driven contractual automation in construction projects, and BIMbased information modelling. The study hereby concludes that integrating decentralised ledgers, automated contracts, secure information management, and lifecycle modelling, blockchain research in construction is increasingly positioned not merely as a technological innovation, but as a systemic mechanism for dispute prevention and resolution.