Buildability in design and construction through ISO 9000 quality management systems: Concepts and survey findings

Abstract

The buildability concept and ISO 9000 quality management systems are used to help raise productivity and quality standards in construction. However, both buildability principles and ISO 9000 quality system elements are frequently considered separately in many consulting and construction firms. Many of these firms have also developed and implemented ISO 9000 quality management systems in their organisations. Apart from highlighting key buildability principles and ISO 9000 quality system elements, this paper examines how buildability may be achieved through ISO 9000 quality management system. The findings from a survey suggest that it is both desirable and possible to operationalise buildability principles within appropriate ISO 9000 quality system elements. Respondents from consulting firms and construction firms reported "Design control" and "Contract review" respectively to be the most influential ISO 9000 quality system elements to achieve this objective.