Manage Project Quality: Strategies for High Quality Concrete Work
VerifiedAdded on 2023/06/15
|9
|2158
|337
AI Summary
This article discusses the strategies for ensuring high quality concrete work in the Blue Mountains Project. It covers the design, preparation, installation, and removal of formwork, reinforcement materials and installation, concrete mix design, measuring and mixing, handling and placing, finishing, curing, and testing. The article emphasizes the importance of quality control and assurance, and the need for effective communication and collaboration with the client and her representatives.
Contribute Materials
Your contribution can guide someone’s learning journey. Share your
documents today.
Manage Project Quality 1
MANAGE PROJECT QUALITY
Name
Course
Professor
University
City/sate
Date
MANAGE PROJECT QUALITY
Name
Course
Professor
University
City/sate
Date
Secure Best Marks with AI Grader
Need help grading? Try our AI Grader for instant feedback on your assignments.
Manage Project Quality 2
Manage Project Quality
Good quality concrete work is very essential for all construction works. Therefore the
need to implement strategies that will ensure high quality concrete work in this project is
inevitable. This quality manual will ensure that all concrete work for Blue Mountains Project
meets the required standards specified in the contract documents and that of engineering practice.
1. Formwork
Formwork determines the final shape and position of concrete (Civil Guides, 2017). The
design, preparation, installation and removal of formwork shall be done in accordance with AS
3610 and AS/NZS 4671 requirements and specifications. The formwork used in this project shall
be strong and rigid enough to resist different loads imposed on it until when the concrete attains
full strength (Committee BD-043, 2010). The formwork shall be designed correctly and installed
properly; it shall be perfectly watertight so as to prevent water loss from fresh concrete after
placing it in the formwork; internal surfaces of the formwork shall be cleaned and oiled before
the concrete is placed in it; and concrete shall be dropped into the formwork vertically to prevent
segregation.
1.1. Materials
The formwork in this project shall be made using timber, plastic, plywood and/or metal
(aluminium or steel) depending on availability and cost. These materials shall be obtained from
reputable suppliers. Samples shall be taken and tested to ensure that they meet the minimum
strength requirements.
Manage Project Quality
Good quality concrete work is very essential for all construction works. Therefore the
need to implement strategies that will ensure high quality concrete work in this project is
inevitable. This quality manual will ensure that all concrete work for Blue Mountains Project
meets the required standards specified in the contract documents and that of engineering practice.
1. Formwork
Formwork determines the final shape and position of concrete (Civil Guides, 2017). The
design, preparation, installation and removal of formwork shall be done in accordance with AS
3610 and AS/NZS 4671 requirements and specifications. The formwork used in this project shall
be strong and rigid enough to resist different loads imposed on it until when the concrete attains
full strength (Committee BD-043, 2010). The formwork shall be designed correctly and installed
properly; it shall be perfectly watertight so as to prevent water loss from fresh concrete after
placing it in the formwork; internal surfaces of the formwork shall be cleaned and oiled before
the concrete is placed in it; and concrete shall be dropped into the formwork vertically to prevent
segregation.
1.1. Materials
The formwork in this project shall be made using timber, plastic, plywood and/or metal
(aluminium or steel) depending on availability and cost. These materials shall be obtained from
reputable suppliers. Samples shall be taken and tested to ensure that they meet the minimum
strength requirements.
Manage Project Quality 3
1.2. Design and preparation
Formwork shall be designed to fit the exact dimensions of concrete structures to be
constructed. Engineers shall design the formwork sheeting, formwork bearers and formwork ties
in accordance with AS 3610 requirements. Preparation shall include cutting the formwork into
the desired shapes and sizes, cleaning and oiling internal surfaces of the formwork, and joining
the forms so as to create the desired molds.
1.3. Installation
After preparation, the formwork shall be installed by qualified personnel in their respective
locations. Appropriate tools and equipment shall be used to install the formwork to ensure that it
is sufficiently braced and spliced to avoid misalignment. Levels and squares shall be used to
ensure that the formwork is vertically and horizontally straight or aligned. The formwork shall
also be maintained within specified design tolerances (Rodriguez, 2016).
1.4. Removal
Removal of formwork shall be after the specified period in the contract documents. The
formwork shall only be removed after the concrete has gained sufficient strength. Removal of
formwork shall be in the following sequence: shuttering that form vertical faces of columns,
beams and walls; shuttering that form slab soffits; and shuttering that form beam soffits (Daily
Civil, 2017). It is understood that inappropriate removal of formwork causes deformation of
fresh concrete under its weight resulting to cracking, dimensional tolerance loss or collapse
hence the formwork shall be removed by following the recommended procedure in AS 3610.
1.2. Design and preparation
Formwork shall be designed to fit the exact dimensions of concrete structures to be
constructed. Engineers shall design the formwork sheeting, formwork bearers and formwork ties
in accordance with AS 3610 requirements. Preparation shall include cutting the formwork into
the desired shapes and sizes, cleaning and oiling internal surfaces of the formwork, and joining
the forms so as to create the desired molds.
1.3. Installation
After preparation, the formwork shall be installed by qualified personnel in their respective
locations. Appropriate tools and equipment shall be used to install the formwork to ensure that it
is sufficiently braced and spliced to avoid misalignment. Levels and squares shall be used to
ensure that the formwork is vertically and horizontally straight or aligned. The formwork shall
also be maintained within specified design tolerances (Rodriguez, 2016).
1.4. Removal
Removal of formwork shall be after the specified period in the contract documents. The
formwork shall only be removed after the concrete has gained sufficient strength. Removal of
formwork shall be in the following sequence: shuttering that form vertical faces of columns,
beams and walls; shuttering that form slab soffits; and shuttering that form beam soffits (Daily
Civil, 2017). It is understood that inappropriate removal of formwork causes deformation of
fresh concrete under its weight resulting to cracking, dimensional tolerance loss or collapse
hence the formwork shall be removed by following the recommended procedure in AS 3610.
Manage Project Quality 4
2. Reinforcement
2.1. Materials
This projects shall use steel reinforcement. The reinforcement materials shall be obtained
from reputable manufacturers and suppliers in the region. The company shall test the
reinforcement to ensure that it has the desired properties.
2.2. Design
Engineers and designers shall design reinforcement accordingly to ensure that it is of the
right type, size, shape and number as per the contract documents. Some of the key design
elements to be considered include: bar spacing, bar supports and tying requirements (Concrete
Reinforcing Steel Institute, 2018).
2.3. Installation
The reinforcement shall be installed as shown on the structural drawings. The key elements that
shall be considered when installing reinforcement are: concrete cover, positioning and
tolerances. These elements affect the final strength of concrete structure.
3. Concrete
All concrete works in this project will be done in accordance with the guidelines and
requirements provided in AS 3600:2009 Concrete Structures (SAI Global, 2009). The main
problems that occur in concrete trade are those associated with the quality of materials used,
proportion of concrete mix, mixing method, transportation and placing, curing and tests (Twitty,
2008). These problems will be prevented from occurring in this project by applying the
following techniques:
2. Reinforcement
2.1. Materials
This projects shall use steel reinforcement. The reinforcement materials shall be obtained
from reputable manufacturers and suppliers in the region. The company shall test the
reinforcement to ensure that it has the desired properties.
2.2. Design
Engineers and designers shall design reinforcement accordingly to ensure that it is of the
right type, size, shape and number as per the contract documents. Some of the key design
elements to be considered include: bar spacing, bar supports and tying requirements (Concrete
Reinforcing Steel Institute, 2018).
2.3. Installation
The reinforcement shall be installed as shown on the structural drawings. The key elements that
shall be considered when installing reinforcement are: concrete cover, positioning and
tolerances. These elements affect the final strength of concrete structure.
3. Concrete
All concrete works in this project will be done in accordance with the guidelines and
requirements provided in AS 3600:2009 Concrete Structures (SAI Global, 2009). The main
problems that occur in concrete trade are those associated with the quality of materials used,
proportion of concrete mix, mixing method, transportation and placing, curing and tests (Twitty,
2008). These problems will be prevented from occurring in this project by applying the
following techniques:
Secure Best Marks with AI Grader
Need help grading? Try our AI Grader for instant feedback on your assignments.
Manage Project Quality 5
3.1. Materials
All materials (cement, aggregates (coarse and fine), water and admixtures (if any) used to
make concrete shall be of high quality. The materials will sourced from reputable and certified
suppliers in the region. The company shall send her representatives to various sources or
suppliers so as to inspect how the materials are obtained, processed and prepared. The relevant
physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the materials shall also be tested to ensure that
they meet the required Australian building and engineering standards. These properties are the
ones that determine the final strength of concrete (Biswas, 2013).
3.2. Concrete mix design
The ratio of concrete ingredients determines the strength of concrete (Ahmad & Alghamdi,
2014). Proportions of concrete ingredients shall be designed by civil engineers so as to get the
right mix for the job. The ratio of cement, aggregates and water shall be carefully determined for
each concrete work so as to achieve the required strength of the structure. Before designing the
concrete mix, the engineers will first establish the project specifications in contract documents.
These specifications will act as guidelines on the proportions of the concrete ingredients.
3.3. Measuring and mixing
Batching in this project shall be done by volume. Gauge boxes shall be prepared and used to
batch the concrete materials so as to attain the designed mix proportions. The company is aware
that weight batching is more accurate than volume batching but the former is difficult to operate
and more expensive than the later. After batching, the ingredients shall be mixed thoroughly to
ensure that the concrete is uniform and attains the required quality. The mixing method that shall
be used in this project is drum mixing, which is one of the most common and effective methods
3.1. Materials
All materials (cement, aggregates (coarse and fine), water and admixtures (if any) used to
make concrete shall be of high quality. The materials will sourced from reputable and certified
suppliers in the region. The company shall send her representatives to various sources or
suppliers so as to inspect how the materials are obtained, processed and prepared. The relevant
physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the materials shall also be tested to ensure that
they meet the required Australian building and engineering standards. These properties are the
ones that determine the final strength of concrete (Biswas, 2013).
3.2. Concrete mix design
The ratio of concrete ingredients determines the strength of concrete (Ahmad & Alghamdi,
2014). Proportions of concrete ingredients shall be designed by civil engineers so as to get the
right mix for the job. The ratio of cement, aggregates and water shall be carefully determined for
each concrete work so as to achieve the required strength of the structure. Before designing the
concrete mix, the engineers will first establish the project specifications in contract documents.
These specifications will act as guidelines on the proportions of the concrete ingredients.
3.3. Measuring and mixing
Batching in this project shall be done by volume. Gauge boxes shall be prepared and used to
batch the concrete materials so as to attain the designed mix proportions. The company is aware
that weight batching is more accurate than volume batching but the former is difficult to operate
and more expensive than the later. After batching, the ingredients shall be mixed thoroughly to
ensure that the concrete is uniform and attains the required quality. The mixing method that shall
be used in this project is drum mixing, which is one of the most common and effective methods
Manage Project Quality 6
of concrete mixing. The concrete mixing machines shall be operated by qualified personnel.
Mixing of concrete in this project shall be done by following the requirements of AS 1379.
3.4. Handling and placing
The concrete in this project shall be prepared on site hence it will only be transported over a
short distance. Once the concrete is prepared, it will be placed before it hardens. Placing of
concrete shall be done carefully by pouring the concrete in the prepared formwork in a manner
that will prevent segregation. The concrete will be poured directly (using buckets and
wheelbarrows) or by pump (using special concrete pumps), depending on the specific work being
done. Vibrators will be used to enhance setting (where necessary) and the concrete will also be
compacted and consolidated appropriately to eliminate air and other voids and also to ensure that
the concrete is distributed to all parts of the formwork.
3.5. Finishing
Durability, smoothness and appearance of concrete surfaces are very important
(Infrastructure Technology Institute, (n.d.)). To achieve this, concrete surfaces will be treated
after consolidation so as to attain the expected properties. This will be done using different
methods including: screeding, floating and trowelling, mechanical finishing (roughening the
surface so as to make it less slick), use of concrete dyes, surface molding and polishing. The
finishing shall be done in accordance with AS 3610.
3.6. Curing
After placing and consolidating the concrete, it will be cured properly and adequately for the
recommended period in the contract documents (at least 7 days). During curing period, the
concrete will be saturated fully with water. Nevertheless, the curing can be done by misting or
sprinkling water on the concrete surface (Consumers Builders Supply Co., (n.d.)). This will help
of concrete mixing. The concrete mixing machines shall be operated by qualified personnel.
Mixing of concrete in this project shall be done by following the requirements of AS 1379.
3.4. Handling and placing
The concrete in this project shall be prepared on site hence it will only be transported over a
short distance. Once the concrete is prepared, it will be placed before it hardens. Placing of
concrete shall be done carefully by pouring the concrete in the prepared formwork in a manner
that will prevent segregation. The concrete will be poured directly (using buckets and
wheelbarrows) or by pump (using special concrete pumps), depending on the specific work being
done. Vibrators will be used to enhance setting (where necessary) and the concrete will also be
compacted and consolidated appropriately to eliminate air and other voids and also to ensure that
the concrete is distributed to all parts of the formwork.
3.5. Finishing
Durability, smoothness and appearance of concrete surfaces are very important
(Infrastructure Technology Institute, (n.d.)). To achieve this, concrete surfaces will be treated
after consolidation so as to attain the expected properties. This will be done using different
methods including: screeding, floating and trowelling, mechanical finishing (roughening the
surface so as to make it less slick), use of concrete dyes, surface molding and polishing. The
finishing shall be done in accordance with AS 3610.
3.6. Curing
After placing and consolidating the concrete, it will be cured properly and adequately for the
recommended period in the contract documents (at least 7 days). During curing period, the
concrete will be saturated fully with water. Nevertheless, the curing can be done by misting or
sprinkling water on the concrete surface (Consumers Builders Supply Co., (n.d.)). This will help
Manage Project Quality 7
the concrete to develop the desired properties by developing full strength and preventing
development of internal stresses. Damp fabric or plastic will be used to cover the concrete so as
to avert evaporation and keep the concrete hydrated. Formwork will remain in place throughout
the curing period.
3.7. Testing
Multiple samples of concrete shall be obtained and tested so as to determine if the concrete
meets the desired properties. The concrete shall be sampled and tested in accordance with AS
1012 (Main Roads Western Australia, 2011). The tests shall be carried out on both fresh and
hardened concrete. These tests will include: compacting factor test, slump test, compression test,
flexural strength test and tensile strength test. After 28 days, concrete is expected to have
attained its maximum characteristic strength. If any of the samples fail, appropriate corrective
actions shall be taken immediately.
4. Generally
In case non-conformance is identified, corrective actions shall be taken immediately
depending on the stage of the work. If non-conformance is identified at the source of materials,
the company will choose another supplier. Different records will also be maintained including
sources of materials, test results of various materials, quality control and assurance reports,
inspection reports, etc. The company shall ensure that each stage of the project is done by
qualified personnel. Adequate tools and equipment shall also be provided to enable completion
of the works. To ensure high quality work, the company shall have a quality control team that
will be responsible for checking and ensuring that all works meet the required quality standards.
The team will work independently and in collaboration with the client representatives.
Environmental impacts and safety are other aspects that shall be considered at every stage of
the concrete to develop the desired properties by developing full strength and preventing
development of internal stresses. Damp fabric or plastic will be used to cover the concrete so as
to avert evaporation and keep the concrete hydrated. Formwork will remain in place throughout
the curing period.
3.7. Testing
Multiple samples of concrete shall be obtained and tested so as to determine if the concrete
meets the desired properties. The concrete shall be sampled and tested in accordance with AS
1012 (Main Roads Western Australia, 2011). The tests shall be carried out on both fresh and
hardened concrete. These tests will include: compacting factor test, slump test, compression test,
flexural strength test and tensile strength test. After 28 days, concrete is expected to have
attained its maximum characteristic strength. If any of the samples fail, appropriate corrective
actions shall be taken immediately.
4. Generally
In case non-conformance is identified, corrective actions shall be taken immediately
depending on the stage of the work. If non-conformance is identified at the source of materials,
the company will choose another supplier. Different records will also be maintained including
sources of materials, test results of various materials, quality control and assurance reports,
inspection reports, etc. The company shall ensure that each stage of the project is done by
qualified personnel. Adequate tools and equipment shall also be provided to enable completion
of the works. To ensure high quality work, the company shall have a quality control team that
will be responsible for checking and ensuring that all works meet the required quality standards.
The team will work independently and in collaboration with the client representatives.
Environmental impacts and safety are other aspects that shall be considered at every stage of
Paraphrase This Document
Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser
Manage Project Quality 8
concrete work. In general, quality shall not be compromised at any cost or time and quality
control of materials and workmanship shall be taken with the seriousness it deserves. The
company shall also ensure that there is effective communication and collaboration with the client
and her representatives to update them about quality control of concrete works.
References
Ahmad, S. & Alghamdi, S., 2014. A Statistical Approach to Optimizing Concrete Mixture
Design. The Scientific World Journal, Volume 2014, pp. 1-7.
Biswas, L., 2013. Concrete Ingredients. [Online]
Available at: http://www.acivilengineer.com/2013/05/concrete-ingredients.html
[Accessed 11 February 2018].
Civil Guides, 2017. Mixing Concrete. [Online]
Available at: https://civilguides.com/mixing-concrete/
[Accessed 10 February 2018].
Committee BD-043, 2010. Formwork for Concrete, Sydney, NSW: Council of Standards
Australia.
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, 2018. Reinforcing Bar Placing. [Online]
Available at: http://www.crsi.org/index.cfm/concrete/placing
[Accessed 11 February 2018].
concrete work. In general, quality shall not be compromised at any cost or time and quality
control of materials and workmanship shall be taken with the seriousness it deserves. The
company shall also ensure that there is effective communication and collaboration with the client
and her representatives to update them about quality control of concrete works.
References
Ahmad, S. & Alghamdi, S., 2014. A Statistical Approach to Optimizing Concrete Mixture
Design. The Scientific World Journal, Volume 2014, pp. 1-7.
Biswas, L., 2013. Concrete Ingredients. [Online]
Available at: http://www.acivilengineer.com/2013/05/concrete-ingredients.html
[Accessed 11 February 2018].
Civil Guides, 2017. Mixing Concrete. [Online]
Available at: https://civilguides.com/mixing-concrete/
[Accessed 10 February 2018].
Committee BD-043, 2010. Formwork for Concrete, Sydney, NSW: Council of Standards
Australia.
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute, 2018. Reinforcing Bar Placing. [Online]
Available at: http://www.crsi.org/index.cfm/concrete/placing
[Accessed 11 February 2018].
Manage Project Quality 9
Consumers Builders Supply Co., (n.d.). Step by Step Guide to Completing Your Own Concrete
Project. [Online]
Available at: http://consumersbuilderssupply.com/?page_id=76
[Accessed 10 February 2018].
Daily Civil, 2017. Method and Period of Removing Formwork. [Online]
Available at: http://www.dailycivil.com/method-period-removing-formwork/
[Accessed 11 February 2018].
Infrastructure Technology Institute, (n.d.). The Concrete Construction Process. [Online]
Available at: http://iti.northwestern.edu/cement/monograph/Monograph2_3.html
[Accessed 10 February 2018].
Main Roads Western Australia, 2011. Specification 901 Concrete - General Works, Sydney:
MainRoads estern Australia.
Rodriguez, J., 2016. Formwork Guidelines: Safety, Installation and Removal. [Online]
Available at: https://www.thebalance.com/safety-installation-and-removal-of-formwork-844783
[Accessed 11 February 2018].
SAI Global, 2009. AS 3600-2009 Concrete Structures. Sydney, NSW: Standards Australia
International Ltd.
Twitty, W., 2008. Quality Management System for Ready Mixed Concrete Companies, Silver
Spring, MD: RMC Research & Education Foundation.
Consumers Builders Supply Co., (n.d.). Step by Step Guide to Completing Your Own Concrete
Project. [Online]
Available at: http://consumersbuilderssupply.com/?page_id=76
[Accessed 10 February 2018].
Daily Civil, 2017. Method and Period of Removing Formwork. [Online]
Available at: http://www.dailycivil.com/method-period-removing-formwork/
[Accessed 11 February 2018].
Infrastructure Technology Institute, (n.d.). The Concrete Construction Process. [Online]
Available at: http://iti.northwestern.edu/cement/monograph/Monograph2_3.html
[Accessed 10 February 2018].
Main Roads Western Australia, 2011. Specification 901 Concrete - General Works, Sydney:
MainRoads estern Australia.
Rodriguez, J., 2016. Formwork Guidelines: Safety, Installation and Removal. [Online]
Available at: https://www.thebalance.com/safety-installation-and-removal-of-formwork-844783
[Accessed 11 February 2018].
SAI Global, 2009. AS 3600-2009 Concrete Structures. Sydney, NSW: Standards Australia
International Ltd.
Twitty, W., 2008. Quality Management System for Ready Mixed Concrete Companies, Silver
Spring, MD: RMC Research & Education Foundation.
1 out of 9
Your All-in-One AI-Powered Toolkit for Academic Success.
+13062052269
info@desklib.com
Available 24*7 on WhatsApp / Email
Unlock your academic potential
© 2024 | Zucol Services PVT LTD | All rights reserved.