 Corresponding author: Samuel T Ariaratnam School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State Univ., P.O. Box 873005, Tempe, USA . Copyright © 2022 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0. Application of blockchain to underground utilities Mohammed Alnahari and Samuel T Ariaratnam * School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State Univ., P.O. Box 873005, Tempe, USA. Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 2022, 11(02), 025–035 Publication history: Received on 18 March 2022; revised on 23 April 2022; accepted on 25 April 2022 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/gjeta.2022.11.2.0061 Abstract Blockchain technology enables encrypted and secure logging and transactions for information and data. This technology is expected to revolutionize computing in several areas, mainly where centralization is unnatural, and privacy is important. We are driven by circumstance and the complexity of underground utilities, which need measures to record information, secure data, and utilize new technologies with recorded information and store it into a secure digital platform. The platform must be able to deal with different types of files and documents with high efficiency and workability. Current problems due to uncertain information regarding the location of existing underground utilities often leads to striking of such utilities. This study describes blockchain technology and a proposed application to manage infrastructure utilities. The paper compares blockchain with Underground Infrastructure Management (UIM) and One Call System 811, and the potential advantage of this technology to manage underground utilities. Potential integration with blockchain and UIM is described to maximize infrastructure sustainability in underground utilities with respect to security and management. The research presented is focused on exploring the possibilities that blockchain has to offer with regard to protection of underground utilities. Keywords: Blockchain; Data management; One Call; Underground utilities 1. Introduction Today, we need to look beyond legacy methods and innovate if we are to adopt new technologies for underground Utility Infrastructure Management (UIM). Blockchain technology is currently being used to make service industries more efficient, thereby contributing to better economic inclusion and even better economic wealth distribution [1]. There are many proposed use cases of this technology ranging from health care to finance, with promising results. Blockchain technology promotes the idea that information and transactions can be systematically recorded in a public or private database via a cryptographic process where all involved parties in the network can validate the information [2, 3]. It is much more than software for cryptocurrency as it offers a secure way to exchange any service or transaction. By facilitating intelligent contracts, engagements, and agreements with inherent, robust cybersecurity features. Industrial growth increasingly depends on trusted partnerships; however, increasing regulation, cybercrime and fraud inhibit expansion. To address these challenges, blockchain enables more agile value chains, faster product innovations, closer customer relationships, and quicker integration with Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Cloud technology. Furthermore, blockchain provides a lower cost of trade with a trusted contract monitored without intervention from third parties who may not add direct value [4]. Blockchain also provides immutability of the transactions, thereby ensuring every transaction between generators and consumers will always be executed. It also provides immutability to transaction history, which can be used for auditing purposes or solving a transaction dispute [5].