Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Bauindustrie / Español: Industria de la construcción / Português: Indústria da construção / Français: Industrie de la construction / Italian: Industria delle costruzioni

Construction Industry in the context of quality management refers to the sector involved in the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. In quality management, this industry focuses on the adherence to standards, regulations, and best practices to ensure that projects meet specified requirements in terms of safety, durability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Description

In the quality management context, the construction industry encompasses a wide range of activities including project management, procurement, engineering, and on-site execution. Quality management in this sector is crucial due to the complexity and scale of construction projects, which often involve multiple stakeholders, diverse materials, and various phases that need careful coordination.

The primary goal of quality management in construction is to ensure that the final output meets the required specifications and standards, which include local and international building codes, environmental regulations, and safety norms. To achieve this, the industry employs several quality management tools and techniques such as ISO 9001 certification, Total Quality Management (TQM), and Six Sigma. These methodologies help in identifying and mitigating risks, reducing errors, improving workflow processes, and ensuring continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

Historically, the construction industry has faced challenges related to quality, such as project delays, cost overruns, and structural failures, often due to poor quality control or lack of proper management. However, the introduction of quality management systems has greatly improved the reliability and safety of construction projects. Key legal basics include compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and other regional construction regulations that mandate quality management protocols to protect workers and the public.

Application Areas

Quality management in the construction industry applies to various areas including:

• Residential and Commercial Buildings: Ensuring structural integrity, safety, and compliance with building codes.
• Infrastructure Projects: Quality control in road construction, bridges, tunnels, and airports.
• Industrial Facilities: Managing quality in the construction of factories, refineries, and power plants.
• Project Management: Implementing quality standards in planning, scheduling, and cost control.
• Materials Testing and Inspection: Ensuring that all construction materials meet required standards and specifications.

Well-Known Examples

• The Shard in London: A skyscraper that demonstrates advanced quality management in its design, construction, and materials.
• Burj Khalifa in Dubai: Known for its rigorous quality control measures and adherence to international safety standards.
• Crossrail Project in the UK: A major infrastructure project with strict quality management processes to ensure the safety and reliability of its tunnels and stations.

Treatment and Risks

In the construction industry, the primary risks associated with poor quality management include safety hazards, structural failures, financial losses, and reputational damage. Effective treatment of these risks involves implementing comprehensive quality management systems that include regular audits, inspections, and adherence to best practices. The use of advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and quality management software can also help in monitoring quality throughout the project lifecycle.

Similar Terms

• Project Management: Overlaps with quality management but focuses more on time, cost, and scope.
• Risk Management: Specifically addresses the identification and mitigation of risks in construction projects.
• Safety Management: A component of quality management focusing on maintaining safe working conditions.

Weblinks

• allerwelt-lexikon.de: 'Bauindustrie' in the allerwelt-lexikon.de (German)
• architektur-lexikon.de: 'Bauindustrie' in the architektur-lexikon.de (German)
• finanzen-lexikon.de: 'Bauindustrie' in the finanzen-lexikon.de (German)
• industrie-lexikon.de: 'Bauindustrie' in the industrie-lexikon.de (German)

Summary

The construction industry in the quality management context is dedicated to ensuring that construction projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the required standards. Quality management systems play a crucial role in minimizing risks, reducing errors, and ensuring customer satisfaction by adhering to strict regulations and best practices.

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