Abstract
Defects associated with dimensional and geometric tolerance variability (tolerance problems) are often dealt with during the construction phase of projects. Despite the potentially severe consequences of those defects, tolerance management (TM) is a perennial challenge, and the construction industry lacks a systematic and practical process to provide insight into avoiding the reoccurrence of tolerance problems. The aim of this research is to present a conceptual framework to proactively reduce the reoccurrence of tolerance problems at stages preceding on site construction. The research uses an exploratory case study approach exploring TM in a civil engineering consultancy. Evidence was collated from semi-structured interviews and document analysis, and validated in a group interview. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The study contributes to knowledge in engineering management by providing new insights into drawbacks of existing TM guidelines. It also describes a good practice application of TM by a civil engineering consultancy, and proposes a conceptual framework to improve TM, which provides a basis to develop more effective practical solutions for TM.
Highlights
Defects associated with dimensional and geometric variability are amongst the most common and recurring defects in conventional construction projects [1,2,3,4]
The aim of the research reported in this paper is to introduce a conceptual framework to proactively reduce the reoccurrence of tolerance problems at stages preceding on site construction
The exploratory case study is suitable for this research because it aims to explore tolerance management (TM) good practices as performed by a consultancy, and answer the following ‘how’ questions: How to identify and communicate tolerance requirements/risks?; how to mitigate tolerance risks?; and how to verify the compliance of the achieved deviations with the specified tolerances? This exploratory research identifies linkages between theory from architecture, engineering, and construction project management and practice to inform researchers and practitioners
Summary
Defects associated with dimensional and geometric variability are amongst the most common and recurring defects in conventional construction projects [1,2,3,4] Those defects, called tolerance problems hereafter, may adversely impact functional requirements, e.g., water tightness [5], safety [6], serviceability, durability, constructability, the fit between components [7,8], structural stability [5,9], aesthetics [5,9], energy performance [10], and compliance with regulations [11]. Tolerance problems can considerably increase the cost of construction and maintenance [12], cause delays [4], and increase material wastage [13]. Several examples of tolerance problems encountered in typical construction projects (e.g., lack of fit, aesthetically unacceptable gaps, misalignments between components) have been presented in the literature [20,23], demonstrating the challenges in the management of dimensional and geometric variations
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