Managing quality in construction: construction as biological cells

Paper

Abeysekera, Vasantha and Shelke, Mayur G.. 2013. "Managing quality in construction: construction as biological cells." Kajewski, Stephen, Manley, Karen and Hampson, Keith (ed.) 19th International CIB World Building Congress. Brisbane, Australia 05 - 09 May 2013 Brisbane, Australia.
Paper/Presentation Title

Managing quality in construction: construction as biological cells

Presentation TypePaper
AuthorsAbeysekera, Vasantha (Author) and Shelke, Mayur G. (Author)
EditorsKajewski, Stephen, Manley, Karen and Hampson, Keith
Journal or Proceedings TitleProceedings of the 19th International CIB World Building Congress
ERA Conference ID60192
Number of Pages11
Year2013
Place of PublicationBrisbane, Australia
ISBN9780987554215
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttps://www.acif.com.au/events/event/cib-world-building-congress-2013
Conference/Event19th International CIB World Building Congress
CIB World Building Congress
Event Details
19th International CIB World Building Congress
Event Date
05 to end of 09 May 2013
Event Location
Brisbane, Australia
Event Details
CIB World Building Congress
Abstract

Construction is noted for handing over projects with defects with associated quality problems plaguing construction. Available models seem inadequate to ensure quality. Given this background, this study explores a new approach inspired by the high level of accuracy successfully achieved in the replication and proliferation of biological cells.

Construction operations are in many ways repetitive in nature. Hypothetically it can be broken down into basic repetitive units or ‘cells’ which undergo replication to constitute the ‘whole’ with similarities with biological cell. However, replication in construction is less error free when compared with the replication and proliferation of biological cells to produce a functional multicellular organ with an abnormally low error rate. As such, this study investigates this phenomenon with the aim of finding a better way for managing quality in construction by focussing on the replication of repetitive ‘cells’ (units) in construction.

A detailed study of the biological cell theory identified two new concepts relevant for construction (amongst others), namely, ‘embedded design’ and ‘rate of proliferation’ which impacts on cell-quality.

The relevance of these two concepts are explored further through the case study methodology: The first case study examines the impact of variation in the rate of poured concrete in a tunnel construction project whilst the second case study investigates the embedded design concept for planning and scheduling repetitive units in a multi-storey residential apartment complex providing two interim conclusions: Firstly, it is seen that variation in rate of production indicates presence of issues which have the potential for causing serious quality problems calling for closer attention whenever the rate of production changes. Secondly, the ‘embedded design’ concept is a relevant and viable concept for managing quality in construction which demands further exploration.

These two case studies have identified the need to examine the two concepts described herein further including other relevant concepts of the Biological Cell Theory with the intention of developing a new model for achieving an error free repeatability of construction units or cells.

Keywordsbiological cell, embedded design, quality, repeatability, replication
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020330202. Building construction management and project planning
Public Notes

Copyright 2013 The authors and/or their employers. No indication of copyright restrictions.

Byline AffiliationsFaculty of Engineering and Surveying
John Holland, Australia
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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