Goulias, D (1992) Quality assurance and specifications. PhD thesis, University of Texas at Austin, USA.
Abstract
Owners and contractors are concerned with the quality of facilities and products for which they are responsible. Specifications are one of a set of tools which can help in obtaining the desired level of product quality. Method-type, end-result, and performance-related specifications are all used in the construction of structures. Each of these specification types has a place in the construction process. The suitability of each one, along with economic benefits, and allocation of responsibilities to the parties involved are examined in this dissertation. Examples for each type of specification are presented and the light bulb example is used to illustrate the distinctive effectiveness of each of these types of specifications. Using these comparisons and the experiences of agencies and contractors, the advantages of each type of specification are identified. The possibility of using a life cycle specification is also examined. The type of specification needed for a specific item depends on the ability to identify and quantify the variables that influence product quality and performance. Thus, the problem is to determine which is the best specification to use for a particular product or project. Based on an assessment of the suitability of each specification types the criteria for selecting the best specification to be used in various construction processes were defined. Because the achievement of high quality construction is a team effort, the activities carried out for defining and obtaining the level of product quality should be coordinated systematically. A quality assurance system is the set of activities that defines the criteria for the desired level of product quality, and coordinates the activities needed for assuring that the specific level of quality is achieved. The components of such a system are also examined. A methodology for defining a rational end-result specification is presented through the case study: "The development of smoothness specification for flexible and rigid pavements". The steps of such methodology include: quantification of the components producing variability in roughness measurements, determination of the acceptance categories and definition of legally defensible pay schedules based on user and pavement maintenance costs.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Hudson, W R |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | case study; life cycle; pavement; quality assurance; quantification; specification |
| Index terms: | maintenance cost, variability, dissertation, effectiveness, product quality, life cycle, owner, case study, quantification, agency, suitability, construction process, methodology, quality assurance, specification, rigid pavement |
| Subjects: | research methods, quality assurance, building construction, materials science, research dissemination and communication, contractual condition, financial management, performance management, design criteria, statistical analysis, measurement and scaling, sociology, value management, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Site Management, Contract Administration, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Quality Management, Project Management, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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