Understanding the relevance of biological cell control theory and cell control mechanism for solving quality problems in a tunnel construction project

Understanding the relevance of biological cell control theory and cell control mechanism for solving quality problems in a tunnel construction project

With construction industry grappling with quality issues despite implementing ISO certified Quality Management Systems (QMS) there is a need to infuse fresh perspectives to manage quality in construction. This paper aims to understand the relevance of a fresh perspective based on biological cell theory wherein the cells achieves astounding accuracy with minimal defects in replication to achieve a multicellular structure. For this purpose, the paper employs a metaphorical approach, essentially comparing the current quality management practice in construction with the procedures used in biological cells to generate new insights on how to solve the quality problem encountered in a tunnel project. A reflective analysis of a case study is conducted using this approach using notions of embedded design, uniform rate of cell proliferation, and biological cell control cycle with gated checks that induce a state of senescence for misbehaving cells. The findings show promise in that new insights can be generated through such reflection through a better ‘embedded design’: The significance of a lack of an initial cell for replication, the importance of incorporating a gated check by integrating quality management with time management to ensure the efficacy of cell replication to eliminate quality issues, and a multi-stage approach to cell proliferation rates all arose through this approach. Suggestions for further work include establishing the acceptability, the suitability, and the feasibility of the identified strategies.

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