Quality control

&
quality assurance

Quality Management In Construction

BECM 4201
 Quality Control
• Feigenbaum (1991): 4 steps in quality control

1. Setting Standards: Determining the required

cost–quality, performance–
performance quality, safety–quality,
and reliability–quality standards for the products.

2. Appraising Conformance:
Conformance Comparing the
conformance of the manufactured product, or the
offered service to the standards
standards.
3. Acting When Necessary:
Necessary Correcting problems and
their causes throughout the full range of those
marketing, design, engineering, production, and
maintenance factors that influence user satisfaction.

4. Planning of Improvements:
Improvements Developing a continuing
effort to improve the cost, performance, safety, and
reliability standards.
 Quality Control
• Gryna (2001):The control process involves observing
actual performances, comparing it with some standards,
and then taking action if observed performance is
significantly different from the standard. The control
process is in the nature of a feedback loop as shown in
Figure.
 Quality Control
Control involves a universal sequence of steps as follows:

• 1. Choose the control subject, that is, choose what we intend

to regulate.
• 2. Establish measurement.
• 3 Establish standard of performance, product goal, and
process goals.
• 4. Measure actual performance.
• 5. Compare actual measured performance against standards.
• 6. Take action on the difference.
 Quality Control Tools
The following are the most commonly used quality control tools
for a variety of applications to improve the quality process:

• 1. Cause-and-effect diagram
• 2. Check sheet
• 3. Control chart
• 4. Data collection
• 5. Flow chart
• 6. Histogram
• 7. Pareto analysis
• 8. Pie chart
• 9. Run chart
• 10. Scatter diagram
• 1. The cause-and-effect diagram is also called an
Ishikawa diagram or fishbone diagram. It is used to
organize and graphically display multiple causes with
a particular effect.

• 2. A check sheet is a structured list, prepared from the

collected data, to indicate how often each item
occurs.
• 3. The control chart is the fundamental tool of
statistical process control.
control It is a graph used to
analyze variation in a process.
process

By comparing current data to historically determined

lines, one can arrive at a conclusion regarding whether
the process is stable or is being affected by special
cause of variation.
• 4. Data collection objectives are to

• Identify the problem

• Report the problem
• Verify the problem
• Analyze the problem
• Correct the problem
• 5. A flowchart is a pictorial tool that is used for
representing a process in sequential order.
Flowcharts can be applied at all stages of the project
life cycle.

• 6. The histogram is a pictorial representation of a set

of data. It is created by grouping measurements into
cells, and it displays how often the different values
occur.
• 7. Pareto analysis is a graphical representation of
frequency of occurrence.

• Pareto charts are used to identify those factors that

have the greatest cumulative effect on the system,
and thus, less significant factors can be screened out
from the process.
• 8. The pie chart is a circle divided into wedges to
depict proportion of data or information in order to
understand how they make up the whole. The
portions of entire circle or pie sum up to 100%.

• 9. The run chart is a graph plotted by showing

measurement (data) against time. Run charts are
used to know the trend or changes in the average
and also to determine if the pattern can be attributed
to common causes of variation,
variation or if special causes of
variation were present.
• 10. The scatter diagram is a plot of one
variable versus another.
another It is used to
identify potential root cause of problems
and to evaluate causeand- effect
relationship.
 QC Process in Construction

• It is very important to have a good quality control process

on a project. Depending on the project or the client or
executing agent for construction the QC/QA process could
be very proscriptive.

QC – QC is ultimately just making sure that they are

completing the work safely and in compliance with the
contract.

QA – QA is spot checking contract compliance, test

results, and ultimately just making sure that the Quality
Control Processes is working.
working
 Best
est practices in QC
 Quality Control (QC) – Depends on the contract but best
practices require;

• The Construction Contract defines the quality standards and

the QC testing requirements

• The contractor must prepare a detailed quality control plan

for each definable feature of work detailing how the quality
standards will be achieved. The plan must be approved
before work can begin.

• The contract requires that the QC testing lab be validated by

the approved source.
 QC Document
Document QC activities into a Management System which
includes;

1. Non compliance Reports

2. RFIs (Request for information)
3. Change orders requests
4. Safety violations
5. Daily field reports
6. Test results
7. Permits
8. Close Documents
9. QA/QC plan - Testing program
 Employs Three-Phase
Phase Inspection System

– Preparatory : Before the work starts the QC manager

conducts a meeting to go over all the approved
submittals, work plan, safety plan, etc with all parties
involved in order to make sure the feature of work is ready
to begin and makes sure everyone is on the same page.

– Initial: As the work is beginning the QC manager

conducts an inspection of the work to make sure the work
is being performed as plan. The crew is working safely
and with the correct material..

– Follow-up: Throughout the work the QC manager

conducts inspection as per contract and as required
 Construction QC Factors
• 1. Human control:
As the main activity part of construction process, the overall
quality and individual ability of human will determine the
results of all quality activities.

So, human are considered as both the controlled targets

and controlling motivation of other quality activities. (Cheng
Hu)

The contents of human control includes the overall quality of

organization and individual's knowledge, ability, physical
condition, psychological state,
state quality consciousness,
behavior, concept of organizational discipline, and
professional ethics.
• 2. Materials control:

Materials (including raw materials, finished products, semi-

finished products, components and parts) are material conditions
of construction, and material quality is one of necessary
conditions to ensure construction quality. (Cheng Hu)

Main contents of quality control of materials:

• (1) Material procurement

• (2) Material testing
• (3) Storage and usage
• 3. Control of construction machinery and equipments:

Construction machinery and equipments are

 essential facilities for the modern construction,

 reflecting the construction power of the enterprise, and
 having a direct impact on the project progress and quality.

Actually, the quality control is to make the type and performance

parameters of construction machinery and equipment match the
conditions, technology and other factors of the construction site.
(Liang Shilian)
• (1) The contractor should select construction machinery and
equipment in accordance with advanced technology, economic
rationality, production application, reliable performance and
safety, with the applicability and reliability to a specific project.

• (2) The performance parameters should be made sure

correctly in accordance with the requirements of construction
and quality assurance.

• (3) Construction machinery and equipment should be regularly

calibrated, so as not to mislead the operator. Besides,
mechanical equipment selected must be matched with the
adapting operation workers.
• 4 Control of construction methods:

• (1) Construction program should be constantly refined

and deepened with the progress of the project
construction.

• (2) When selecting the construction program, some viable

options of major projects should be prepared, presenting
main contradictions, advantages and disadvantages, so
as to discussion and comparison,
comparison then the best option will
be selected.

• (3) When developing programs for the major projects, key

parts and difficult projects, such as the new structure, new
materials, new technology, large-span, large cantilever,
the tall structure parts, and so on, the possible
construction quality problems and treatment should be
fully assessed.
• 5 Environmental control:

Creating a good environment will play an important role in

guaranteeing the quality and safety of construction projects,
achieving civilized construction, and setting social image of
construction corporation.

Control of construction environment includes not only the

understanding, restriction, transformation and usage of natural
environment, but also activities of creating working environment
and environment management. (Cheng Hu)
 QC Process in Construction

• 1. The concept and contents

• 2. Setting and management of process quality control
• 3 Quality pre-control
control of project
• 4 Protection of finished product
 QC Process in Construction

• 1. The concept and contents:

contents

The quality of the construction process is the quality of integrated

action due to human, material, machinery, process methodology
and work environment, also known as process quality, which
reflects the quality of products.

In order to ensure the quality of construction project, the quality

of each process must be controlled, which is the focus of quality
control during construction. (Liang Shilian)
The following work should be focused on during
process quality control.

(1) Determining the program of process quality control

On the one hand, specific measures to ensure quality of
technology for the different processes,
processes and the provision
of inputting materials and the order of activities are
required. On the other hand, the work flow and quality
inspection system are needed..

(2) Controlling the quality of conditions of process

activities actively
There are five main factors affecting the quality of process
conditions: human, materials, machinery and equipments,
methods, and the environment.
environment
(3) Inspecting the quality of effectiveness of process
activities in a timely manner
The implementation includes self-inspection, mutual
inspection, the handover inspection of upper and lower
working procedure, especially for hidden works and sub-
items.

(4) Setting the process control point (process management

point) with key control
Process quality control points are major control objects
determined for the key components affecting quality or
weaknesses. Control points should be set correctly and
implemented strictly.
 2.. Setting and management of process quality control

The principle of setting quality control points includes:

the important and key construction process and parts

the construction process and parts without assured quality
the construction position and parts with hard condition and
technological difficulty
the construction projects and contents with strict requirements
of quality standards or precision
the construction process and parts influencing the quality or
safety of subsequent construction
the construction sites and parts using new technology and
materials construction
• The management of process quality control points
includes two aspects:

A. The design of measures of quality control

B. The implementation of quality control
 A. The design of measures of quality
control points

• Listing the quality control points list

• Designing construction flow chart of control points
• Analyzing the processes to find the dominant factors
• Setting the process quality control table, to make clear
control ranges and requirements for the dominant factors
• Working out work instruction assuring quality
• Drawing up network diagram,
diagram marking the measuring
instruments, numbers, precision etc. in order to do
accurate measurement
• Auditing the quality control points by the leadership of
the designers
 B. The implementation of quality control points

• Clarification: The design of control measures of control

points should be explained clearly to the operation team,
to make workers understand operating essentials.

• Inspection:The quality controllers must give guidance,

inspection, checking and acceptance on construction
sites.

• Instruction: Workers should do the operation according

to working instruction, ensuring the quality of each aspect
of the operation.
• Data collection: The construction site should be
checked seriously and regularly, and the data should be
recorded.

• Data Analysis: The analysis and improvement

should be done constantly with the method of data
statistics until the quality control points get qualified.

• Duties and responsibilities:

responsibilities of workers and quality
controllers should be clear in the implementation of quality
control points.
 3 Quality pre-control
control of project
• The quality pre-control of project is the prior analysis
of the quality problems and potential problems which
may occur in the quality control point or sub-projects,
including the reason, and corresponding preventive
measures, to realize the active control to the project.
(Liang Shilian)
 4 Protection of finished product
According to the characteristics of different projects, the
protecting measures are different, but the construction sequence
should be arranged reasonably to achieve the purpose of
protecting finished product.

(1) Protection: Taking various protective measures in

accordance with the characteristics of the objects to be
protected

For example, the easy touch parts can be reinforced by

protective bar or groove cover iron.Windows and doors can be
fixed by additional wedge after installation.
• (2) Parceling: Wrapping up the objects to be protected
against damage and contamination

• For example, the columns with marble cladding can be

wrapped and bundled with boards. Windows and doors
can be wrapped by plastic cloth.
cloth

• (3) Cover: Covering the surface preventing from blockage

or damage

• For example, after installation, floor drain should be

covered to prevent from others fall intoit and make it
blocked. The projects need sun or freeze protection, and
for heat conservation and others. It should be taken
appropriate measures.
• (4) Closing: Closing partially for protection

• For example, after refuse chute being completed, the entrance

should be closed to prevent the construction debris blocking
the chute. After decoration, the room should be closed to avoid
damage because of unwanted entries.

• (5) Reasonable arrangement for the construction sequence:

Arranging the construction sequence of different workplaces in
order to prevent the following process from damaging or
polluting the prior process

• For example, when decorating the room, the wall should be

whitewashed or painted prior to the installation of the lights, in
order to prevent the lights from being damaged or polluted by
painting. As well as the sequence of decorating the plafond and
floor, the plafond should be decorated before the floor.
 The method of quality control
• A. Quality control by statistical methods:
• The use of statistics is essential in interpreting the results of testing on
a small sample. There are two types of statistical sampling which are
commonly used for the purpose of quality control in batches of work or
materials (Quality Control and Safety During Construction):

• (1) The acceptance or rejection of a lot is based on the number of

defective (bad) or nondefective (good) items in the sample. This is
referred to as sampling by attributes..
• (2) Instead of using defective and nondefective classifications
for an item, a quantitative quality measure or the value of a
measured variable is used as a quality indicator. This testing
procedure is referred to as sampling by variables.
• B. PDCA:
• PDCA Cycle, which is composed of 4 stages of P (plan),
D (do) , C (check), A (action).
Quality Assurance

• In today’s workenvironment quality assurance is viewed as

an umbrella under which quality management activities take
place and the owner’s primary quality assurance role is one
of acceptance.Use of the term quality assurance is now
favored over the previously used abbreviation QAQC or
QCQA.
Quality Assurance
• ASQ: “all the planned and systematic activities implemented
within the quality system that can be demonstrated to provide
confidence a product or service will fulfill requirements for
quality.”

• ISO 9000 (or BS 5750): quality assurance is “those planned

and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate
confidence that product or service will satisfy given
requirements for quality.”

• ISO 8402-1994: quality assurance as “all the planned and

systematic activities implemented within the quality system,
and demonstrated as needed, to provide adequate confidence
that an entity will fulfill requirements for quality.”
Quality Assurance
• Quality assurance is the activity of providing evidence to establish
confidence among all concerned that quality-related activities are being
performed effectively. All these planned or systematic actions are necessary
to provide adequate confidence that a product or service will satisfy given
requirements for quality.

• Quality assurance covers all activities from design, development,

production/ construction, installation, and servicing to documentation, and
also includes regulations of the quality of raw materials, assemblies,
products, and components; services related to production; and
management, production, and inspection
nspection processes.

• Quality assurance in construction projects covers all activities performed by

the design team, contractor and quality controller/auditor (supervision staff)
to meet owners’ objectives as specified and to ensure that the project/
facility is fully functional to the satisfaction of the owners/end users.
Elements of QA
The elements of an acceptable quality assurance program
include:

 quality control by the contractor

 acceptance sampling and testing and inspection
 independent assurance
 qualified personnel
 accredited laboratories, and
 a dispute resolution process.

These elements work together to ensure an effective quality

assurance program. Any elements missing from the program
increase the risk of a reduced service life.
Need For QC & QA In Construction:

•Concern for project managers.

managers Even minor defects in
constructed facilities can cause heavy loss

•Quality control during construction consists largely of

insuring conformance to these original design and
planning decisions
ORGANIZATION FOR QC & QA
A variety of different organizations are possible for quality control
during construction.Most common practice is to have two groups:

1.for quality control.

2.for quality assurance.

• In large organization separate departments are formed.

• Specific Individuals are assigned with these functions on small

projects.

• In both the cases project manager is concerned for the work.

QUALITY CONTROL AND ASSURANCE PLAN

An inventory agency responsible for coordinating

QA/QC activities. A QA/QC plan should clarifies:

• general QC procedures
• Source category-specific
specific QC procedures
• QA review procedures
• Reporting, documentation, and archiving procedures
OJECTIVES OF QA PLAN
• Describe the quality program and organization to be
implemented so that the project is constructed in accordance
with the contract requirements and industry standards.

• Describe guidelines for inspection and documentation of

construction activities.

• Provide reasonable assurance that the completed work will

meet or exceed the requirements of the construction drawings
and specifications.
QA Testing
• The CQAO will be responsible for the QA materials
sampling and testing program.
program

• QA testing is provided for the verification of the

adequacy and effectiveness of the contractor’s QC
testing.
Quality Assurance Method Application Matrix
Quality Assurance Method Application Matrix
Why Quality Assurance Programs fail?
• – Starting site work without an acceptable, approved Quality
Control Plan
• – Inadequately developed Quality Control contract provisions
• – Inadequately enforced Quality Control contract provisions
• – Delay in submitting an acceptable Quality Control Plan
• – Inadequate qualifications of personnel in the quality control
organization
• – Untimely or incomplete reports
• – Failure to take corrective action when deficiencies exist
• – Late or incomplete reporting of tests and inspections
• – Lack of interest by contractors or management personnel.
Quality Engineering
• Feigenbaum (1991):

Defines quality engineering technology as “the body of

technical knowledge for formulating policy and for
analyzing and planning product quality in order to
implement and support that quality system which will
yield full customer satisfaction at minimum cost”.
Quality Engineering Triangle
(A.V. Feigenbaum,)
Feigenbaum (1991) has further elaborated the entire range of
techniques used in quality engineering technology by grouping
them under three major headings:

• 1. Formulating of quality policy:

policy

Included here are techniques for identifying the quality

objectives and quality policy of a particular company as
a foundation for quality analysis and systems
implementation.
• 2. Product-quality analysis.
analysis Techniques for analyzing
include those for isolating and identifying the principal
actors that relate to the quality of the product in its
served market. These factors are then studied for
their effects toward producing the desired quality
result.
• 3. Quality operations planning:
planning Techniques for implementing
the quality system emphasize the development in advance of a
proposed course of action and methods for accomplishing the
desired quality result. These are the quality planning
techniques underlying—and required by—the documentation
of key activities of the quality system
Table: lists the major work elements normally
performed by quality specialists.
Quality Management

The ASQ glossary defines quality management

as:
• “The application of quality management
system in managing a process to achieve
maximum customer satisfaction at the lowest
overall cost to the organization while continuing
to improve the process.”
process