The Construction Quality Assessment System Construction Essay

The spin calibre judging System Construction EssayCONQUAS stands for Construction fiber Assessment System. Construction Industry Development Board Singapore now cognise as the create and Construction liberty ca-ca developed it for the culture public sector agencies and the mingled leading industriousness professional bodies to clipping the flavour level of completed labor (The National House Buyers fri overthrowship (HBA), 2009).The Building and Construction potential (BCA) is an agency under the Singapores Ministry of National Development. The BCA is championing the growth of an excellent built environment for Singapore. Built environment refers to buildings, structures and infrastructure in our surroundings that provide the decorateting for the communitys activities. (Building and Construction bureau, 2006)At the beginning, the CONQUAS was introduced notwithstanding to the local anaesthetic bodily structure industry. CONQUAS put one over been launched since 1989 (Building and Construction Authority, 2006).Today, CONQUAS is widely recognized and also legitimate internation hitly(prenominal)y as a benchmarking tool for select. CONQUAS is now a registered trademark. CONQUAS pass on adapted in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, unit of mea incon scrutinyablemented Kingdom, Australia, S surface(a)h Africa and India, UK and Hong Kong reflexion industries (Building and Construction Authority, 2006).The take away of CONQUAS was introduced to have a measuring stick flavour sound judgement trunk for anatomical structure projects. Further more, CONQUAS is to modify note assessment to be carried step forward agreementatic all toldy inwardly reasonable appeal and time. anyway, CONQUAS is used to measure fiber of constructed works against trade modulars and specification (Building and Construction Industry, 2005).However, CONQUAS is an indep shuttingent assessment. It is carried out by assessors from BCA Singapore. It was projected to gauge and benchmark the spirit of cunning through the taste approach. On the different hand, it means not all unit pass on be stargoned or evaluated by the assessor. Random samples leave behind be pre-selected and inspected to fight down the flavour of the complete project (The National House Buyers link (HBA), 2009).Since the launch of CONQUAS in 1989, more than 2,238 public and private building projects have been assessed by BCA. The total accumulative contract value of the assessed projects exceeds 81.9billion Singapore dollar (Building and Construction Authority, 2006).In 1998, BCA introduced a number of new features to CONQUAS resulting in the launch of CONQUAS 21 (Building and Construction Authority, 2006). Now, Malaysia is applying CONQUAS 21 into the building projects.Problem StatementThe normal calibre of the building intersectionion becomes the signifi dirty dogt issue that is always discussed and disputed by the contractors, developers, and investors or hall buyers. superior assessment of the building before the developer va fecest possession to the buyer is the significant issue for the developer. The developer shall delivery the final building product to the securer which the building is achieved a standard prize. However, how many get out ask How should I find out the feel of the product (property) that I purchased is fairly justified with the impersonate along of money that I paid? Many of the investors and the house buyer atomic number 18 sacrificing a huge money to appoint a famous Feng Shui master, to carry on a property surveys and engaged property agent prior make decision to invest the property. Has the flavour standard of the building product been conscious and same as the portray unit? (The National House Buyers Association (HBA), 2009). in that respect ar many developers intended to deliver the final product to the end user with free of defects and hefty in quality. Thus, to achieve the standard quality of the building production, the contractor can adopt the Construction spirit Assessment (CONQUAS 21) in the project to develop the quality assurance workmanship of building product. Although, the CONQUAS 21 is applied in building industry, however, it is brought any benefits to the contractors, developers and end users? Moreover, what atomic number 18 the impact of the CONQUAS 21 toward the contractors, developers and end user? Consequently, the investigate worker pull up stakes carry out the research regarding the application of quality assessment system (CONQUAS 21) in construction industry.Aims ObjectivesAimsTo investigate character Assessment System (CONQUAS 21) in construction industry.ObjectivesTo composition the principle and archetype of CONQUAS 21To find out riddles occur when applying the CONQUAS 21To find out the advantages of using CONQUAS 21 range of mountains of studyThe research forget provide a detail ex proposeation on the standar d of CONQUAS 21 and procedures of the system. This is do through literature brushup on journal papers, convention papers, hold backs and browsing through web commits.Besides that, the tec aims to the population of local contractors and developers who are adopted CONQUAS 21 in the construction projects. look forer will investigate the reason of implementing the CONQUAS 21 in construction industry. Moreover, research will in-deep investigate regard the impacts and advantages of CONQUAS 21. Basically, a case study will be chaired to obtain more randomness regarding the implementation of CONQUAS 21.Research MethodologiesLiterature ResearchCover journals, relevant textbook, and internet research and conference paper is the sources that I obtain my information and doing for my literature research.Interview situation agent, supervisory program and the site manager will be interviewed by the researched to get more expatiate about the CONQUAS 21. The interview is hold at Swiss garden Residences site. fountain StudySite visit to the Swiss Garden Residence would be the best way to figure out the military capability of CONQUAS 21. Besides that, it is to figure out the problems occur when applying the CONQUAS 21.Chapter OutlineChapter 1 introductionIn this chapter, the research worker is going to slightly introduce the background of CONQUAS. Besides that, the researcher is going to talk about the aims and bearings for this research.Chapter 2 Literature checkIn this chapter, the researcher is going to discuss the concept and principle of CONQUAS 21. The information regarding the CONQUAS 21 are obtained from the literatures from books, articles, journals and web site. Moreover, the researcher is going to comment on the advantages of CONQUAS 21 and the impact of applying the CONQUAS 21.Chapter 3 design the case study and research methodologyThe researcher is going to use Swiss Garden Residences as the case study for CONQUAS 21. The researcher is going to intervi ew the project manager, site manager and site agent for obtaining the relevant information.Chapter 4 epitome of the junior-grade entropy after(prenominal) collecting the information, the researcher is going to do the compendium for the information obtained. The researcher is going to argue on the information obtained and give some opinion regarding the CONQUAS 21.Chapter 5 Conclusion and further studiesIn this chapter, the researcher is going to make a conclusion for the unharmed research and put forward out the further studies for quality assessment.Plan and inscriptionPlanned Schedule2009/20102010/2011Second SemesterFirst SemesterSecond SemesterNov declinationMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNov decIntroductionLiterature follow-upDesigning case studyAnalysisConclusionActual Schedule2009/20102010/2011Second SemesterFirst SemesterSecond SemesterNovDecMayJuneJulyAugSepOctNovDecIntroductionLiterature ReviewDesigning case studyAnalysisConclusionChapter 2Literature Review2.1 character Philo sophyDefinition of tintDifferent party defines the quality in different way. Some people will define it as to take in contract sine qua nons, instead some people define it as the satisfaction of guest and others also define as it reaches the required standards. entirety of lineaments of an entity that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied involve is the definition that The National Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines quality (Chung, 1999). The aims or requirements have been contacted or reached by any party, mean the quality standard has been achieved.Furthermore, quality also can be defined make on own opinion such(prenominal) as providing customers with products and helps that lie inently meet their needs and expectations (S.L. Tang, 2005), performance to the standard expected by the customer (S.L. Tang, 2005) and physical fitness for purpose (Chung, 1999).However, the definiton of quality is based on how a party to define, it can be defined is se veral way.Basic Concept of fictional character select is the most all-important(a) factor to be concerned in each field including construction field. In order to achieved the quality, the industries have come out with there are assessment system and guidelines to be carried out to get wind the works done in the construction industry can achieve the quality. ISO 90012000, Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) and Construction Quality Assessment (CONQUAS) is the assessment system that always used by constrction industry to ensure the works done reach the quality standard requirement. Case study of CONQUAS will be carried out in more details later.Quality can be quantified as follows-Q=P/EWhere,Q = qualityP = performanceE = expectationIf Q is greater than 1.0, then the customer has a good feeling about the products or goods (Besterfield, 1998).Furthermore, There are nine belongingss in the quality. All dimensions are independent, which means that an end product can be excellent in one dimension but misfortunate in others (Besterfield, 1998). These nine dimensions details and their terms is the side by side(p)- board 1 Nine dimensions of quality and their termsDimension monetary valuePerformancesPrimary products/service characteristic such as time, cost and workmanship aspect.FeaturesSecondary characteristic, added shape such as creativity in design and attractivenes.ConformanceMeeting specification or industry standards, workmanship and clients requirement in contract.ReliabilityConsistency of performance over time, average time for the unit to fail.DurabilityUseful life period with less care or repair.ServiceResolution of problems and complaints, ease of repair.ResponseHuman to humanity interface such as efficiency during meeting, fast decision making, powerful human resources management.AestheticsSensory characteristics in design such as exterior finishes.ReputaionPast performance such as being be eldest in the tendering process.Ada pted from Garvin, 1988, Managing Quality The strategic and Competitive Edge, way of lifernistic York Free Press.Furthermore, there are always the relationship between quality with cost, value, cycle time and productivity. The details of the relationship is shown as following-Quality and ProductivityProductivity increase will influence the quality by availProductivity = Salcable output / Resources usedQuality and appealsCost will increase if the quality of conformance increaseCost will increase if the quality of design increaseQuality and Cycle dateThe cycle time will be reduce if there is improvement of quality effortThe cycle time to complete the activities is the key argumentQuality and measureOrganizations must evalute the value they provide, relative to the competitionValue = Quality / Price(S.L. Tang, 2005)2.1.3 Quality ManagementQuality management will influence the quality directly. The principles of quality management are applicable to every(prenominal) industry, wit hin all organisations and at every level (McCabe, 1988). The prefatorial last of quality management is the elimination of failure both in the concept and reality of products, services and processes (Juran, 1989).The quality management is defined as all activities of the overall management function that determine the quality policy, targets and responsibilities, and implement them by means such as quality planning, quality check over, quality assurance, and quality improvement within the quality system (McCabe, 1988)The quality management have four portrays in evolution, cognize as Quality Inspection, Quality lead (QC), Quality authorisation (QA) and amount Quality Management (TQM) (UTM, 2003). Inspection and Quality Control are retrospective their aim is find out the occurred problem by detection mode. Instead, the aim of Quality self-reliance and summarize Quality Management is reduce and to avoid problems occuring (McCabe, 1988). The characteristic of the different dos in Quality Management as shown following-Figure 1 The four stages of quality managementTQMQAQCInspectionAdapted from Dale, Boaden and Lescelles 1994 Levels of total quality management adoptionFigure 2 The four stages of quality managementQuality AssuranceQuality systems developmentAdvanced quality planningComprehensive quality manualsUse of quality costsInvolvement of non-production operationsFailure mode total Quality ManagementPolicy deploymentInvolve suppliers and customersInvolve all operationsProcess managementPerformance managementTeamworkEmployee involvementQuality ControlDevelop quality manualProcess performance entropySelf- revaluationProduct testingBasic quality planningUse of basic statisticsPaperwork controlsInspectionSalvageSorting, grading, relendingCorrective actionsIdentify sources of non-conformanceAdapted from Steven McCabe 1988 Quality good Techniques in Construction branch 1 InspectionThe first stage of quality management is control. The followup is defin ed as activity such as measuring, examining, testing or gauging one or more characteristics of an entity and comparability these results with specified requirements in order to establish whether conformity is achieved for each characteristic (McCabe, 1988).Inspection is used by most of the construction industry to ensure the conformance. The site supervisor will carried out the inspection of the construction project. The supervisor will make the comparison the architectural works and geomorphologic based on the specification and drawing. If there is any defective works found by the customers, the contractor need to rectify the defective works until fulfill the customers requirement.Stage 2 Quality Control (QC)Quality control will be carried out after the inspection done. Quality control is affected as a system of routine technical activities, to measure and control the quality of the inventory as it is being developed (Mangino, 1996).The procedure of Quality control is very compli cated. QC mostly is based on the statistical analysis. Collection of data is required in QC to maintain the quality by statistical techniques.Stage 3 Quality AssuranceQuality assurance is defined as all the planned activities implemented within the quality system, and demonstrated as needed, to provide adequate confidence that an entity will fulfill requirements for quality (McCabe, 1988).The objective of Quality Assurance (QA) is to provide adequate confidence that a service or product will fulfill customers requirement by acting system audit, Failure Mode and Effect Analysis, design of experiment and confusable initiatives (UTM, 2003). In other words, QA is more specified on planning. The prevention of poor quality and defects is based on detection activities.Stage 4 Total Quality ManagementThe final stage of quality management is Total Quality Management. The implementation and understanding of quality management principles and concepts in every aspect of business activities are involved in this stage. The best service or product will be provided to the customer at the dismay cost by using these activities.However, TQM is less formal having either procedures or system, and it is hard to be described repayable to it is less in formalities (McCabe, 1988). Normally, only guidance will be provided by TQM and it consider as a philosophy.Concept and Principles of CONQUAS 212.2.1 IntroductionRecently, the requirement of customers towards the building that they purchase is quality. They wish to get the best quality of the purchase building as workable. In this condition, the developers have to play an important role to ensure the quality of the building project. The developers overcome the problem by using Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) into the construction project to maintain the standard of quality as the requirement. CONQUAS 21, ISO 90012000, QLASSIC will become the choice for the developers for their assessment system. Case study about CONQUAS 21 will be carried out by the researcher in more details.2.2.2 Objectives of CONQUAS 21There are three objectives in the CONQUAS 21 systemAct as a standard quality assessment system in construction projects.Inspecting quality assessment byMeasuring the specification and standard of the workmanship in the works doneRandomly selecting the sample as appoint the whole projectTo enable quality assessment systematically take place within reasonable cost and time(Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2006)Scope of CONQUAS 21In CONQUAS 21 system, all the works done will be disposed points based on the quality standard. All of the given points will be added together to get the total quality score which also known as CONQUAS score for the construction project (Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2006). The quality workmanship is better, the higher of CONQUAS score will be obtained. blow% is the maximum CONQUAS score in construction project, but our human being is ine fficient to construct a work with zero-defects.The general building works is cover by CONQUAS 21 system. There are 3 components in the assessment geomorphological kit and caboodlearchitectural plant and mechanistic Electrical (ME) WorksThere are different particular to be assessed in the different component stated above (Building and Construction Authority , 2005).CONQUAS 21 is considered as first time right inspection approach (Building and Construction Authority , 2005) means that the rectification works will not take into consideration in CONQUAS 21 score for the assessment. Furthermore, try out system is the assessment system used in the CONQUAS. The assessor will choose the unit jibe to the average, 1-in-4 apartment units in a residential development for the assessment (Building and Construction Authority , 2005). Thus, which unit will be chosen is unknown so the contractors have to ensure all of the constructed works are in good quality condition. If there is any defecti ve found, the works will be considered as failed.Besides, the heavily equipment-base such as heavy foundation, sub-structure works and long-legs is not available for assessment and the work separate contracts or sub-contracts are not included in the assessment (Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2006).The inspection is different with the inspection done by the site supervisor. Normally, the contractors have to by design do an arrangement for the inspection which form a specific team up for the inspection. There is a guideline have to be followed for the assessment.Components to be assessed morphologic Works, Architectural Works and ME Works are the components under CONQUAS 21 assessment. morphological WorksStructural Works can be considered as soundbox for a building, the stability of the building will be affected if there is failure or defect in structural works. Thus, maintain its quality is necessary due to the cost of rectification is very expensive. Below show the d etails of the assessment of Structural Works-Inspection of finished cover, formwork and stigma reinforcement have to be carried out on site during the construction site. If any component constitutes exceed 20% of the total structural cost, the pre-stressed concrete and structural steel are included in the assessment. If found the formed concrete muckle more than 20% of structural concrete volume, the formed elements have to be assessed.Tensile strength of steel reinforcement and testing of compressive strength of concrete will be carried out on research laboratory testing.Non-destructive testing of the concord and the cover of hardened concrete.(Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2006) appurtenance 1 shows the quality standards of Structural Works.Architectural WorksThe components and finishes are assort in Architectural Works. The workmanship and quality can be tardily seen and found. Below are the details of assessment of Architectural Works- afterwards the buildin g have complete, the assessment have to be carried out on roofs, external works, external walls and midland finishes. All the assessment have to be carried out on site. Internal walls, doors, components, windows and floors are sort under the internal finishes.Functional and material tests such as on external walls and bail of internal wall tiles and water-tightness of window.(Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2006)Appendix 2 shows Architectural Works quality standard.Mechanical Electrical (ME) WorksThe progress of whole building will be influenced by ME Works. Air conditioning Mechanical Ventilation Works (ACMV), Electrical works, the basis ME fittings and Fire Protection Works are classified under the progress of the building. Below are the stage of assessment-Concealed pipes, ACMV ductworks and electrical conduits are classified as installed works, the inspection on the item have to be carried out before introduce on site.The engine cooling system tower, fire alarm control panel and Air-Handling Unit (AHU) are the final installed works which the assessment have to be carried out on site.Dry Riser Test, Earthing Test and Water drive Test are considered as selected works. The performance tests are carried out on them.(Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2006)Appendix 3 show the quality standard of ME Works.The Weightages blare A (Commercial, Industrial, Institution and Others), goof B (Condominium, Institution and Others), scour C (Public housing), and jackass D (Landed properties) are the four categories of building that distribute the weightages for ME Works, Architectural Works and Structural Works in CONQUAS 21 system.The objective of weightage system is making the quality of a building is based on the CONQUAS score, it is a compromise between the cost proportions of the three components in the various buildings and their aesthetic consideration (Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2006).In general, ME works consist 10% fo r four categories of building in average, 35% is consisted by the Structural works and the highest percentage is consisted by Architectural works which 50% in average for the four categories of buildings. The quality of Architect works is the most important with the highest percentage, second is represented by the Structural works and ME works is the lowest. knock back 2 The Weightages in CONQUAS 21ComponentsCAT A Commercial, Industrial, Institution OthersCAT B Commercial, Industrial, Institution OthersCAT C Public HousingCAT D Landed PropertiesStructural Works30%35%45%40%Architectural Works50%55%50%55%ME Works20%10%5%5%CONQUAS Score100%100%100%100%Note In general, projects with central cooling system having cooling tower, chiller system, etc are classified under CAT A. Otherwise, it will be classified under CAT B. Appendix 5 provides a guides with listing of building under the various categories.Adapted from Building and Construction Authority (BCA) CONQUAS 21 manual bookCONQUAS AssessorIn CONQUAS 21 system, only the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) officer can be the assessor to inspect the works done of the project. BCA will conduct a calibration program and training for assessors to attend to ensure ability and consistency in the assessment (Building and Construction Authority, 2006).Furthermore, CONQUAS 21 system is consider as independent assessment. Therefore, if the building or parts of the building project are acceptable, the architects and engineers are not allowed to use CONQUAS to make any decision unless the building contract specify it (Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2006). samplingSampling system is introduced in the CONQUAS 21 system for the assessment. It is impossible for us to inspect every unit of the works done. Thus, the sampling system is used for the assessment, it helps the accessor a lot by saving the time and make the assessment easier due to the samples will be helter-skelter chosen by the assessor for inspe ction.Furthermore, the sampling system want to make sure the inspection is sufficient to represent the whole building by referring to the gross floor area of the building.The assessment of CONQUAS 21Assessment approachSampling system is used by the CONQUAS 21 as the assessment system, the sample will be randomly selected for the quality assessment according to the location plan and drawing plan and it will be distributed based on the construction stages (Building and Construction Authority (BCA), 2006).The scoring will be done on the works that are inspected for the first time because the objective of this practice is to encourage contractors doing things right the first time is the principle of the CONQUAS 21 system which want to make sure all the contractor do the works well and maintain the quality in first time. Thus, the scoring will not take into study for the rectification works, only the first time works done will be inspected and scored in the CONQUAS 21 system (Building a nd Construction Authority (BCA), 2006).In filling the assessment form, X mean the work done do not fulfill the CONQUAS quality standard after inspection on it. Instead, consider the inspected work have reached the quality standard stated in the CONQUAS system. Besides, not applicable item will be noted as - in the assessment form. The number of over the total number of item assessed is the final score of CONQUAS for the whole project.Structural works assessmentAfter the whole projects have been completed, the inspection on structural works only can be done. Wall, slab, beam and column can be classified as the Structural works. Below show the details of the assessment of a reinforced concrete structure-Table 3 The assessment of a reinforced concrete structureReinforced cover StructureWeightage %Formwork15Rebar20Finished Concrete25Concrete Quality5Steel Reinforcement Quality5NDT UPV test for concrete uniformity15NDT Electro-Cover meter test for concrete cover15Total100*If total formed concrete volume exceeds 20% of total structural concrete volume, assessment will be carried out for precast concrete construction. The points will be distributed proportionately between formwork/rebar assessment and precast concrete assessment based on the respective concrete volume percentage.Adapted from Building and Construction Authority CONQUAS 21 manual bookThe structural works assessment is carried out by using sampling system which mean only part of the samples have been chosen to represent whole project for the assessment, not every unit is inspected. Thus, there are some guidelines for the assessment of structural works. The guidelines are shown as below-Table 4 Guidelines for Structural works assessmentItemsGFA per precedentMin SampleMax SampleRemarks1Structural Elements500 m230clFor Non-Housing Project1aStrctural Elements1500 m23050For Housing Project2Concrete Compressive Strength100%Declaration by Qualified Person3Steel reinforcement Tensile Strength100%Declarat ion by Qualified Person4NDT UPV test for concrete uniformity5,000 m22 sets20 sets5 structure members per set5NDT Electro-Cover meter test for concrete cover5,000 m22 sets20 sets5 structure members per setNote The computed number of elements to be checked must be as distributed throughout the entire block and cover at least 50% of floors in a block. They should also as far as possible cover the different types of structural elements.Adapted from Building and Construction Authority CONQUAS 21 manual bookThe inspection is only site inspection, the inspection cannot be done at precast yard due to all the structure works to be inspected is cast in-situ concrete works, not the precast component. The inspection of the structural works is according to compliance to the standards (see in the Appendix 1, 1a, 1b 1c).The further assessment will be required if the structural steelwork in the structural works exceed 20% of the structural cost and the points will be distributed proportionately . The Pre-stressing Works is similar with the str