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  • Article
    Blockchain Integration for Circular Economy Adoption in Steel Construction
    (Emerald Group Publishing Ltd, 2026) Bilgin, Gozde; Birgonul, M. Talat; Akcay, Emre Caner; Dikmen, Irem; Demir, Berkan
    PurposeThe circular economy (CE) is an economic model aimed at minimizing waste and optimizing resource use by extending lifecycles through recycling, reuse, and other strategies. This shift from the traditional linear model (take-make-dispose) is crucial for a more sustainable and resilient built environment. Given its environmental impact, the steel construction industry holds significant importance in driving sustainability and CE efforts. This study aims to explore the potential of a blockchain(BC)-based framework to overcome barriers hindering the adoption of CE principles within the industrial steel construction sector, thereby promoting sustainability and circularity in the built environment.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual BC framework is proposed to enable effective recording, storing, and sharing of process-related data among stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of construction materials. The framework's validity is assessed through a focus group study conducted at a steel construction company, involving expert evaluations.FindingsExpert evaluations indicate that the BC-based framework can significantly enhance CE adoption by improving information flow, raising awareness, and fostering collaboration among ecosystem participants.Originality/valueThe study introduces an innovative application of BC technology tailored for the steel construction sector to address specific CE barriers, offering a novel approach that facilitates digital and sustainability transitions.
  • Conference Object
    Investigating the Barriers To the Adoption of 3d Printing Technology in the Turkish Construction Industry
    (Springer International Publishing Ag, 2025) Latifiilkhechi, Leva; Aminbakhsh, Saman; Akcay, Emre Caner
    In recent years, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative force in construction technology. This innovative technology has found applications in many construction and bridge-building projects, starting a new era of automation and efficiency. Notably, the impact of 3D printing on the construction industry has been profound, yielding benefits such as reduced labor requirements, minimized material waste, accelerated project timelines, and a significant reduction in hazardous tasks for human workers. In contrast to conventional construction approaches, 3D printing stands out for its environmentally friendly characteristics, challenging traditional notions of geometric complexities and constraints in construction processes. While 3D printing technology undeniably offers a multitude of advantages over traditional methodologies, it is crucial to acknowledge that it also introduces its own set of unique challenges and risks. The main aim of this study is to investigate the barriers that hinder the adoption of 3D printing technology in the Turkish construction industry. Towards this, first, the list of potential barriers was extracted from multiple reputable sources, including Scopus, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases. Based on this list, an online questionnaire was prepared to assess the impact of 19 potential barriers on the implementation of 3D printing technology in the Turkish construction industry. The findings and research directions articulated in this study create fresh pathways for further inquiry and substantial contributions to the evolving field of 3D printing in the construction industry.