The Main Problem In Quality In Construction Project Is The Variation On The Quality Of The Concrete Itself.docx

The main problem in quality in construction project is the variation on the quality of the concrete itself. Concrete strength is measured by the concrete compressive strength test after 28 days and if you crushed many samples there will be a variation in the strength. In addition the concrete specimen is immersed in water for 28 days. Because this cannot be done for the whole building, we go through the curing process. The traditional way of curing is by spraying water for 7 days; hence the strength of the concrete specimen will be different from the concrete strength in the structure element. In addition, as noted by El-Reedy (2012), there are variations of the location of the concrete. So the target of the quality system as a whole for the project is to ensure that the processes of construction and receiving the materials are within the specification so the variation on strength and the load will be within the allowable limits of the safety factor in design. The definition of quality management in ISO 9000 is an organizational structure of resources, activities, and responsibilities that provides procedures and means to ensure trust in the ability of a company or organization to achieve quality results. The quality control definition in ISO is a group of operations, activities, or tests that should be done in a definite way to achieve the required quality for the final products. In construction projects, the final product is a building or structure that should function properly. The first step in quality control is to define the levels of supervision during all project phases to be sure that every phase is performed properly according to the required specifications so that the final product is compatible with the project specifications. The improvement of quality provides many benefits. Quality control minimizes mistakes by ensuring that work is performed correctly. One result of eliminating corrective rework is reduced waste of project resources. Lower costs, higher productivity, and increased worker morale will put a company in a better competitive position. The review of submittal data is one of the first steps in the Qc process. The walkway collapse at the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Hotel in 1981 demonstrates how a poor shop drawing review can lead to disastrous consequences. A change in the details of structural connections that was left unchecked during the submittal process did not consider additional loads. The extra loads on the connections led to the collapse of the fourth floor

suspended walkway onto the second floor walkway and then onto the ground floor below. This disaster led to 114 deaths and over 200 injuries. A punch list log provides a system for tracking deficiencies noted during project closeout. Blank copies of this form should be available at the site and used to note punch list items. The lists can be sorted by responsible parties and/or work types. Each work activity must also be inspected upon completion to detect any deficient work before the next activity proceeds. A “punch list” detailing deficiencies discovered should be prepared and distributed to the parties responsible for the defective work. Verification that each deficiency has been corrected is required to eliminate any outstanding deficiencies. This stage of inspection will also require performance testing of installed materials and equipment.