Construction quality framework for school buildings: Damage detection and rectification prioritization

This research aimed to develop a comprehensive construction quality framework for the detection and mitigation of defects in school buildings, with a particular focus on Sri Lanka. In recent years, concerns regarding the quality of school infrastructure have emerged, with reported structural damages highlighting significant deficiencies in construction processes. To investigate the underlying causes of these degradations, the study assessed the existing construction quality of school buildings, identified the common challenges and deficiencies in the process, and developed a construction quality framework. The primary data collection methods included expert interviews, which provided insights into procurement inefficiencies, questionnaire surveys that highlighted deficiencies in Operations and Maintenance (O&M) processes, and field surveys conducted in collaboration with the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) to identify prevalent construction defects and their root causes. The study established a construction quality framework that categorized these issues into three phases: pre-construction, construction, and post-construction, and prioritized them according to their order of significance. As a key recommendation, the study proposed the establishment of a decentralized regulatory authority comprising representatives of relevant stakeholders. The proposed framework offers a structured approach to enhancing the quality, durability, and safety of school buildings, ensuring the long-term sustainability of educational infrastructure globally.