Publication Focus

One of the most significant benefits in using the design-build method is that it can greatly increase the qual-ity of construction projects. The process of integrating both design and construction enables a design-builder to oversee the entire flow of a project and ensure that both func-tions are working properly and in accordance with each other. Furthermore, the design-builder, serving as a liaison between the facility owner and practitioners, can more effectively convey an owner’s needs to all participants in a construction project than in other forms of project delivery.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control for Design-Build and Integrated Delivery Processes is an Integrated Performance Advisory Report published by the Design-Build Institute of America that explores the best methods used in achieving high standards of quality on design-build projects. Authored by Jeffrey Beard (past DBIA president and a highly respected author on design-build issues and practice), the treatise explains how the design-build method enhances the quality of design and construction in building projects. Moreover, it provides recommendations on how to ascertain quality in design-build through the use of statistical analysis, work review, and incentivizing techniques.

Beard describes the conventional methods of achieving quality control in design and construction projects through effective leadership, detailed planning, and training building practitioners in quality procedures. In addition, the report cites the adherence to building codes and specifications as traditional methods of achieving quality control on construction projects. The publication also addresses procedures in maintaining quality in construction projects through validation (verification of design quality by rating it against owner requirements), review, testing, and attaining construction quality through jobsite inspection of workmanship.

In the section of the report entitled “Measuring and Reporting on the Quality of Process and Product,” Beard addresses using statistics as a means of attaining quality assurance in construction. He explores the use of sampling techniques (such as “sampling for attributes” and “sampling by variables”) to verify the effectiveness of construction materials and workmanship. In addition, he addresses the process of using data collection techniques to measure quality of work performance and materials in construction through the use of control charts, histograms, and trend diagrams.

In the subsequent and most critical section of the report, “Specific Quality-Related Activities and Provisions for Design-Build and Integrated Services,” Beard specifically covers the most effective quality control techniques for design-build project delivery. He asserts that, while the use of the design-build method can effectively achieve goals of quality assurance and control in design and construction, it does significantly increase responsibilities for building practitioners. Constructors, who are prime design-builders, assume responsibility for designs of their projects, and designers who lead design-build teams assume responsibility for construction issues such as on-site safety.

In addition to providing recommendations on how to apply quality control procedures to design-build projects, Beard suggests writing incentive/disincentive clauses into design-build contracts to reward outstanding work. He also suggests the use of systems engineering methodologies as a method of achieving quality assurance through understanding a facility owner’s needs and requirements for a design-build project. Beard also endorses the use of design quality metrics and A/E of Record Certification as procedures to confirm quality assurance in design-build projects.

To place an order for Quality Assurance and Quality Control for Design-Build and Integrated Delivery Processes please visit our online bookstore. The cost of the publication is $40.00 ($20.00 for DBIA members), plus shipping and handling. DBIA will reduce this cost by five percent for orders received by October 31, 2005.

The design-build method is a highly beneficial project delivery method that can significantly enhance quality in the execution of construction projects. Quality Assurance and Quality Control for Design-Build and Integrated Delivery Processes is a comprehensive report that substantiates the effectiveness of this building approach and explains the best methods used to maintain quality with the use of this method.