Importance, Impacts and Improvements – A review of quality assurance in the civil engineering sector Click to add notes Presented by: S. Johnson Prepared by: S. Johnson & L. Rollins

Outline of Presentation Introduction Importance of Quality Assurance Impacts from a lack of or ineffective Quality Assurance Improvements through Quality Assurance Conclusion References

Introduction The civil engineering sector is a key element to development Guyana has seen significant increases in construction project activities There is a growing need to ensure reliability of the industry

Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt Introduction The goal is to produce a quality product – to build well Barnenez, France Pyramid of Djoser, Egypt

Importance of Quality Assurance Quality is not a newly invented term Often used to describe a product that meets an expectation We are often willing to pay extra for quality Anyone can confidently identify poor quality and good quality – referring to manufactured products

Importance of Quality Assurance Cont’d The process of determining quality is different in the construction industry because: a construction project is usually one off, have longer life cycles, occurs in an uncontrolled environment, operations can be used in different circumstances and there is always the possibility that the product can be achieved by other means

Importance of Quality Assurance Cont’d Why is it important? Why do we need assurance of Quality?

Importance of Quality Assurance Cont’d The importance and necessity of quality assurance is better understood by defining key terms : Quality Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Definition QUALITY The expected characteristics of a product or service that are entirely defined by the end user, evolving and developing with customer requirements and expectations(Gorse, Johnston et al. 2012). Civil Engineering – conformance to established requirements set forth by the designers, regulatory bodies, constructor and owner

Quality Assurance (QA) Critical decisions relating to quality must be set by the owner or user Quality must be guaranteed Quality in the civil engineer sector is achieved through the implementation of an appropriate measure i.e. Quality Assurance (QA)

Definition QUALITY ASSURANCE A discipline which sets out the organisational structure, responsibilities and procedures required to ensure that works carried out fits the purpose intended It involves planned and systematic action necessary to provide confidence that a product or facility will perform satisfactorily in service; Making sure the quality of the product is what it should be (AASHTO, 1995)

Quality Assurance or Quality Control (QA/QC) QA/QC - suggests that Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QC) are similar terms They are not interchangeable QA is the umbrella under which QC must function

Definition QUALITY CONTROL A system of checks and tests that ensures components are produced within accepted tolerances and meet with a set criteria.

Quality Assurance or Quality Control (QA/QC) QC cannot function independently Still, QC is given more emphasis in the construction industry Common belief is that QC is the contractor’s responsibility while it is the owner’s task to judge acceptance (QA) Everyone involved is responsible for Quality

Brief history of QC in the Ministry Quality Control was emphasised in the Public Works department during 1950s to 1980s The team comprised of over 100 technicians A laboratory was established with four sections: Concrete Asphalt Soils Research

History of QC in the Ministry Cont’d In the 1990s, emphasis on quality control deteriorated due to lack of institutional capacity. Efforts to make improvements are ongoing

Impacts resulting from a lack of or ineffective QA Review of projects recently undertaken by the Ministry revealed the following: Inability to meet prescribed budget Inability to meet proposed timelines Failures in products delivered Quality was not achieved

Impacts resulting from a lack of or ineffective QA This may have resulted from: Unreliable design information and quantities Inadequate specifications Inexperience of constructor Inadequate skilled staff Unsuitable materials Insufficient equipment or Poor management

Impacts resulting from a lack of or ineffective QA All points to a lack of or ineffective quality assurance throughout all the phases of construction i.e. planning and designing construction maintenance and operation

Improvements through QA The Ministry requires that evidence of quality management (QM) be shown Quality manuals are required to be submitted when tendering These documents are not necessarily an indication that QM is incorporated into daily operations

Improvements through QA Improvement in the sector requires: Quality must be emphasied at project inception Continuous promotion of QA Mandatory requirement to conform to International Quality Management standards such as ISO 9004 Commitment from leadership and companies (design and constructing) Training Team Work -collaboration between agencies

Improvements through QA Cont’d Benefits of implementing QA: Enhanced industry culture, Delivered cost benefits through corrective and preventative action, Reduction in mistakes, wastages, duplication, rework and repairs, Improved workmanship and User satisfaction

Improvements through QA Cont’d Once QA is incorporated QC will be more effective. QC will provide for the establishment of quality standards based on past experiences What has worked and what hasn’t

Conclusion Quality Control is vital but emphasis should not only be placed on Quality Control Assurance of Quality is the umbrella necessary to achieve a reliable construction industry

References Arditi, D. and H. M. Gunaydin (1997). "Total Quality Management in the Construction Process." International Journal of Project Management 15(4): 9. Ashworth, A. (2014). Civil Engineering Contractual Procedures, Taylor & Francis. Atkinson, G. (1995). Construction Quality and Quality Standards, the European Perspective. London, E and FN SPON. Baker, A. W. (1987). Quality Assurance in the Design Organisation. Quality assurance in civil engineering seminar. Midlands. Battikha, M. G. (2003). "Quality management practice in highway construction." The International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management 20(4/5): 20. Gorse, C., et al. (2012). A Dictionary of Construction, Surveying, and Civil Engineering, OUP Oxford Jain, J. P. L. (2001). Quality Control and Total Quality Management, McGraw-Hill Education (India) Pvt Limited. Oldham, P. H. (1987). A Contractor's view of the application and development of quality assurance in construction. Quality assurance in civil engineering seminar. Midlands Polec, A. (2001). Quality Assurance outcomes in Australian Engineering Construction. School of Geoinformatics, Planning and Building. Australia, University of South Australia. Masters: 167.