Quality assurance for civil engineering works in Singapore's public housing projects

Abstract

Quality Assurance (QA) is still a relatively new concept in the construction industry. This is even more so in civil engineering works. Hence, the objective of this paper is to test two relevant hypotheses. These are, firstly, that there is no formal QA system for civil engineering works for public housing projects in Singapore, and secondly, QA in civil engineering works for public housing projects is necessary. For the purpose of testing these hypotheses, empirical data were obtained from a postal survey of civil engineers and contractors who work for the Housing and Development Board (HDB) in Singapore. Coupled with personal interviews, the field study indicated that the two hypotheses should be supported. It was also noted that some of the contractors who responded to the study were unwilling to implement QA systems at this moment because they were unsure of their cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, while other contractors were willing to implement the system, they do not know how and where to start from. This paper therefore concludes by recommending some proposals for the implementation of a QA system for civil engineering works in public housing projects.