Blockchain is a secure technology that enables transactions between parties without risking data corruption. Besides cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology is being widely adopted in various forms by diverse industries. One promising application is construction contracts. Given that construction projects are executed under strict contractual requirements, blockchain technology-based contracts can ensure that contractual requirements are executed among parties to the contract. The objective of this study is to apply blockchain technology to smart construction contracts and determine their potential feasibility in construction management. In this study, a prototype smart construction contract is presented and its applicability is explored. We conclude that smart construction contracts can be effective as a contractual tool to enhance payment flows in the construction process.

In the domestic construction field, BIM and 3D scanning technology are combined to perform reverse engineering. It is necessary to develop guidelines or processes for domestic situations through 3D scenario investigation and reverse engineering projects using BIM. Using the case of actual construction service that performed reverse engineering, we analyze the areas that need to be reinforced compared to the existing advanced cases when creating guidelines. It is recommended to encourage the convergence between 3D scanning and BIM, and to define the requirements and levels of the BIM model in the procedure.

Reinforcing bars, a major component of the pre-fab structure, adheres to the existing on-site assembly method and attempts to develop and commercialize the technology of the pre-assembly method, but the effect is insignificant. Welded Wire / Bar Mat (WBM) has various advantages such as commercialization of rebar through machine manufacturing to improve workability, but it is different from the existing design and the construction method is different from the previous one. Therefore, to maximize the advantages of WBM and improve productivity, manufacturing, transportation, and construction from the design stage should be considered based on BIM from the initial design stage. In this paper, the concept of the design support system for the WBM was established based on the use of BIM in concrete reinforcement and the preliminary research on the WBM. WBM conversion design was performed for the existing prefabricated members, and based on this, the exchange format and system of the master prefabricated model with the WBM design data were set up. As a result of the pilot test, it was found that the traditional reinforcing bar information extracted from the master prefab model has transmitted 100% accurately. As for the WBM information, 100% of the information on the straight reinforcement was transmitted and represented, and the information on the bent reinforcement was found to have a 90% recall in the master BIM tool.

The design principles of new urbanism (NU) have been adopted for new towns-in town projects for inner city neighborhoods in Seoul, Korea Since 2000. Here, ten NU principles were matched to four urban design categories: streets, land use, housing and buildings, and public open spaces. These elements were analyzed for Eunpyung New Town project. Through the case, the applications and implications NU principles are explored. The principles of connectivity, quality architecture and urban design, increased density, green transportation, sustainability, and quality of life were positively and successively adopted for streets, land use, housing and buildings, and public open spaces. The principles of mixed-use and diversity and traditional neighborhood structure were only partially applied in land use, housing and buildings, and public open spaces. It should be note that the walkability principle is intended not for job-housing proximity, but for pedestrian-friendly street design.

Urban residents in crowded complexes are making increasing civil complaints about noise and demanding pleasant and comfortable residential environments. Because noise is one of the most important factors related to urban residents' dissatisfaction with their living environments, the present study investigates the direct and indirect effects of noise-related outdoor environmental factors on residential level satisfaction, using noise level data from 29 noise-measuring stations in Seoul. From 62 multi-family apartment complexes near these stations, the authors collected GIS-based environmental attribute data, as well as survey data including the residents' personal characteristics and indicators designed to measure latent psychological characteristics: noise sensitivity and residential noise level satisfaction. This study then utilized structural equation models to analyze the direct variables influencing the latent variables of noise sensitivity and residential noise level satisfaction, as well as the complex relationships among all variables. The result showed that residents who are exposed to less noise, possibly due to living in apartments facing relatively quiet roads, protected by soundproof walls, or surrounded by densely planted trees, tend to be less noise sensitive, which makes them more satisfied with the ambient noise level. Therefore, critical outdoor environmental variables can be used to reduce noise sensitivity and improve residential noise level satisfaction.