Quality Management Practices of Construction Project Teams in Concrete Works.

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NOVEMBER, 2016
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Abstract
The use of concrete in the Construction industry is widespread. However, several cases of deterioration of concrete structures associated with the lack of durability is a major cause of concern worldwide. The cost involved in restoring or replacement of these structures runs into millions of dollars. Poor quality concrete has been blamed on workmanship and ultimately poor Quality Management Practices. This research delved into the quality management practices of construction teams in concrete works. The aim of the research was to explore the nature and scope of quality management practices adopted by construction teams in concrete works. The objectives included the identification of current quality management practices used by construction teams in concrete works and an assessment of their knowledge on factors considered as basic but very important in the production of durable concrete. Other objectives were to assess the perception by Construction Project teams of the critical success factors in the implementation of total quality management in concrete works, and finally to propose a framework for quality management practice in concrete. A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect data from Construction Project teams namely; Project Managers, Project Engineers, Site Engineers, Clerk of works and Quality Control/Assurance Managers of D1K1 Contractors. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, One sample t-test and factor analysis. Analysis of the data revealed that most of the D1K1 contractors did not have a formal quality management system nor were they ISO certified. They however practiced several elements of these systems. The use of quality control/assurance tools were limited and not effective. The respondents had a narrow definition of what quality concrete was. iv The perception of the importance of some identified critical success factors for implementing Total Quality Management was however, found to be high. Implementing a formal quality management system will improve the durability and quality of concrete works. The study was limited to D1K1 contractors who are members of the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana and focused on in-situ concrete works at the Construction site. It brought to the fore the need for top management to be involved in concrete works in order to achieve quality concrete and also organize regular training for professionals involved in concrete works.
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A Thesis submitted to the Department of Building Technology, College of Art and Built Environment in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy.
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