Quality management in local stonework construction

Abstract

This study proposes the use of Quality Management as a means of improving the level of quality in local stonework construction. The proposed system integrates provisions to assure quality with those to safeguard the health and safety of the operatives. Several building construction sites have been reviewed in order to determine the prevalent current practices. A list of possible defects in stonework construction was formulated. The faults in the process resulting in these defects were established. Recommended best practices were determined from research in literature, codes of practice, standards and recommendations issued by authoritative institutions. A gap analysis was conducted to determine the extent by which the current practices differ from the best practices. Principles of systems design were employed in order to formulate a system of procedures. This consists of a set of generic system level and operational level quality procedures. Templates for specific project quality plans and for inspection plans have been drawn up.