Quality Assurance and Control of Construction Projects (Face to Face | Apr 24-25, 2026)

Quality Assurance and Control of Construction Projects

Assuring Quality in Construction provides construction professionals with a practical understanding of how quality is assured, monitored, and enforced on construction projects.

The course focuses on site-level quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), emphasizing how defects occur, how they can be prevented, and how quality issues are managed during execution. It is grounded in DPWH standards, PMBOK quality management principles, and real construction practice, avoiding unnecessary theory and focusing on what engineers actually do on site.

This course prepares participants to implement quality requirements effectively, support audits and inspections, and contribute to a culture of quality in construction projects.

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand what quality means in construction and why quality failures occur.
2. Distinguish clearly between Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) roles and responsibilities.
3. Interpret drawings, specifications, and standards for quality compliance.
4. Apply inspection and testing procedures effectively during construction.
5. Manage materials quality, approvals, and testing requirements.
6. Identify, document, and manage non-conformances and rework.
7. Maintain proper quality records and documentation for audits and turnover.
8. Support and promote a culture of quality on construction sites.

Course Duration: 2 days @ 8 hours per day

Course Outline

DAY 1 – Quality Fundamentals and Site Control

Module 1: Understanding Quality in Construction

Purpose: To establish a clear and practical understanding of quality and why many construction defects originate early in projects.

Topics:

• Definition of quality in construction
• Quality vs cost vs productivity
• Common quality failures in construction projects
• Cost of poor quality (rework, delays, disputes)
• Owner, contractor, and consultant perspectives on quality

Module 2: Quality Assurance vs Quality Control

Purpose: To clarify the difference between preventive and detective quality actions and define responsibilities on site.

Topics:

• Quality Assurance (QA) vs Quality Control (QC)
• Preventive vs corrective actions
• QA/QC roles of project engineers, supervisors, and inspectors
• Integration of QA/QC into daily site activities

Module 3: Specifications, Standards, and Drawings

Purpose: To ensure participants can correctly interpret quality requirements from contract documents.

Topics:

• Role of drawings and specifications in quality
• DPWH Standard Specifications (Blue Book) overview
• Interpreting acceptance criteria
• Common specification misinterpretations
• Managing discrepancies and clarifications

📌 Exercise:
Review a drawing and specification excerpt and identify quality requirements.

Module 4: Materials Quality Control

Purpose: To prevent quality issues by controlling materials before and during use.

Topics:

• Materials approval process
• Submittals and samples
• Storage, handling, and protection
• Field and laboratory testing
• Common materials-related defects

📌 Workshop:
Review a materials submittal and test report and identify compliance issues.

DAY 2 – Inspection, NCR Management, and Quality Culture

Module 5: Inspection and Testing During Construction

Purpose: To ensure inspections and tests are performed at the right time and properly documented.

Topics:

• Inspection procedures and checklists
• Hold points and witness points
• Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) – usage overview
• Coordination with consultants and testing laboratories
• Inspection records and traceability

📌 Workshop:
Prepare an inspection checklist for a selected construction activity.

Module 6: Managing Non-Conformances and Rework

Purpose: To control defects systematically and minimize rework and disputes.

Topics:

• Types of non-conformances
• Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs)
• Root cause analysis
• Corrective and preventive actions
• Cost and schedule impact of rework

📌 Workshop:
Analyze a sample NCR and propose corrective and preventive actions.

Module 7: Quality Documentation and Audits

Purpose: To prepare participants for audits, inspections, and project turnover.

Topics:

• Quality records and documentation system
• Internal and external audits
• Audit findings and corrective actions
• As-built records and certifications
• Turnover and handover documentation

Module 8: Building and Sustaining a Culture of Quality

Purpose: To move beyond checklists and embed quality into everyday site practices.

Topics:

• Leadership role in quality
• Communication and training
• Accountability and ownership
• Lessons learned and continuous improvement
• Practical site-based quality tips

📌 Case Study:
Identify quality failures from a project scenario and recommend preventive measures.

References:

1. PMI – PMBOK® Guide (Quality Management)
2. DPWH – Standard Specifications (Blue Book)
3. DPWH – Project Implementation and Monitoring Guidelines
4. ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems (Conceptual Overview)