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Original Article
ISSN (Online): 2350-0530
ISSN (Print): 2394-3629
International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH
May 2023 11(5), 76–96
How to cite this article (APA): Pokharel, A., Sharma, I., and Lamichhane, B. (2023). Quality Management Practices in Gondrang-
Pulchowk Six-Lane Road Upgrading Project at Chitwan District, Nepal. International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH, 11(5),
76–96. doi: 10.29121/granthaalayah.v11.i5.2023.5160
76
QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN GONDRANG-PULCHOWK SIX-LANE ROAD
UPGRADING PROJECT AT CHITWAN DISTRICT, NEPAL
Aashika Pokharel 1, Itiza Sharma 2, Bipana Lamichhane 3
1 Senior Divisional Engineer, Department of Roads, Kathmandu, Nepal
2 Senior Architect/Managing Director, Go Green Consultancy, Kathmandu, Nepal
3 Senior Architect/Student, Centennial College, Morningside Campus, Canada
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study is to assess the current quality management practices,
determine the factors affecting quality management and to find out remedial measures
that will improve the quality management practices in Gondrang-Pulchowk six-lane road
construction project.
This research methodology is based on interviews and questionnaires survey with clients
and contractors who were involved in the project as well as experts from related field.
Statistical tools, relative importance index, validity and reliability tests, Spearman’s
correlation tests were used for the ranking of different quality aspects.
From the comparative study, it was found that most guidelines of the General Conditions
of Contract, Special Specifications and Quality Assurance Plan of the contract document
were met during project execution although few concerns of safety and correspondence
remain to be addressed.
From the questionnaire survey, it was found that the practices to achieve quality need to
be improved. Contractors consider cost factors as major factor affecting quality in the
project whereas lack of supervision by contractors is cited by the clients as major factor
affecting quality. To overcome the challenges of quality, proper material selection and
usage, inspection, quality training, setting up quality department are seen as remedial
measures. Improving safety at site, maintaining written correspondence, incorporating
elements of ISO, proper selection and usage of materials, holding quality trainings and
setting up quality control department are recommended for this project.
Received 30 April 2023
Accepted 31 May 2023
Published 14 June 2023
Corresponding Author
Aashika Pokharel,
pokharel.aashika@gmail.com
DOI
10.29121/granthaalayah.v11.i5.2023
.5160
Funding:
This research received no
specific grant from any funding agency in
the public, commercial, or not-for-profit
sectors.
Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s).
This work is licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution 4.0
International License.
With the license CC-BY, authors retain
the copyright, allowing anyone to
download, reuse, re-print, modify,
distribute, and/or copy their
contribution. The work must be
properly attributed to its author.
Keywords: Quality, Road Construction, Quality Assurance Plan, Quality Management,
Quality Improvement
1. INTRODUCTION
Battikha (2003) states that in development, nonconformance happens when
the completed condition of a task, or potentially its parts, strays from laid out
prerequisites, and expects choices to be made in regards to their acknowledgment
as well as correction and quality-related issues during development can be extended
on the working existence of the completed venture. To the worker for hire,
nonconformance can yield punishments, as well as cost and time loads for modify,
Quality Management Practices in Gondrang-Pulchowk Six-Lane Road Upgrading Project at Chitwan District, Nepal
International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH
77
which can change over into efficiency misfortune. Quality is concern that is why
people also search like ecofriendly construction and focus on every aspects even
different provisions of fire found to be applied along with skill labour to assure
quality construction Mishra and Shrestha (2017), Mishra and Rai (2017), Maskey
and Mishra (2018)
Because of expanding pattern of government use in development work, the
development area naturally helps up. In any case, development firms in Nepal are
dealing with persistent issue remembering horrible showing for quality, terrible
showing of time and cost, development squander, unfortunate efficiency and over
ward of unfamiliar worker for hire and the specialists. Low quality execution is one
of the basic issues among all Kusi et.al (2018), Chiluwal and Mishra (2018), Chilwal
and Mishra (2018), Chiluwal and Mishra (2017).
Mishra (2018) points that in the construction field of Nepal, quality is a major
issue and emphasis is primarily given to it but in actual field it is not achieved to the
level of expectation so it has become a matter of talk only Mishra et al. (2020),
Khadka et al. (2021), Mishra et al. (2022).
A pilot project, Upgrading and Improvement of Gondrang-Pulchowk Section of
East West Highway, Bharatpur is a six-lane road project in Chitwan district
estimated to be completed in February 8, 2023 with the expenditure of NRs.
1,124,545,349.78 under the procurement, supervision and monitoring of Road
Division Bharatpur. The project of high importance as it is the first six-lane project
in the district of Chitwan with huge amount of cost involved.
Gondrang-Pulchowk road section of Bharatpur is a part of the nation’s
important highway viz. East-West highway or Mahendra Highway. Narayanghat
East section of road caters Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) of 36952 PCU as of
2020/21. Each year, millions of rupees are spent in the road maintenance of this
section from Road Division Bharatpur office Department of Roads. (2021), Adhikari
et al. (2022).
2. STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
Construction industry has been widely criticized for its low quality of delivery
of construction projects. The performance level of construction firms in Nepal is
poor in delivering construction quality Mishra (2020).
In fiscal year 2077/78 alone, 57 crores rupees was spent for maintenance
purpose of roads under Road Division Bharatpur office Department of Roads.
(2021). The maintenance of a project can be saved if proper quality control
measures are taken at the time of preconstruction, construction and post
construction phase Kasula et al. (2017).
Gondrang-Pulchowk six-lane is a pilot project of Chitwan being constructed by
a national contractor without the provision of any consultant. Kusi et al. (2018)
point that it is important to enhance Nepalese contractor in implementing quality
management in the construction and make them enthusiastic in enhancing quality
in construction. Thus, it is necessary to take a proactive approach to study the
quality aspects of this project as it is the first project of its scale and nature within
Chitwan district. Recently the budget gap of development of Nepal is serious
attention and quality construction material may be one option for the same Mishra
and Aithal (2021). Mishra and Chaudhary (2018) also focus on cement handling
behavior for quality conformation.
Aashika Pokharel, Itiza Sharma, and Bipana Lamichhane
International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH
78
Hence, the researcher intends to explore as to what formal measures are being
taken and consequently identify the additional necessary measures needed to
ensure the quality in this six-lane project and other future projects of this scale and
nature. The paper is aimed to assess the current quality management practices in
gondrang-pulchowk six-lane road upgrading project at Chitwan district of Nepal.
3. METHODOLOGY
3.1. RESEARCH DESIGN
Figure 1
Figure 1 Research Design Flowchart
3.2. RESEARCH APPROACH
The research approach adopted in this study comprises of a mixed research
approach defined as an inquiry into a quality management problem, based on
answering certain questions. This research involves a survey approach from which
statistical data were collected to answer questions in respect of the main subject of
study. Questionnaires are the main instruments used for this research.
3.3. STUDY AREA
Gondrang-Pulchowk project is located between Narayani bridge of
Narayanghat and the beginning of Tikauli forest of the East-West highway. The area
includes heavy to medium settlement areas, hospitals, and commercial centers. The
road stretches to 6080 meters and has features like expressway, median, drain,
service lanes, footpath, and a few culverts as well.
Quality Management Practices in Gondrang-Pulchowk Six-Lane Road Upgrading Project at Chitwan District, Nepal
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Figure 2
Figure 2 Project Location (maps.google.com)
Figure 3
Figure 3 Typical Cross-Section of the Project
3.4. POPULATION AND SAMPLE
The major stakeholders of this projects are client and contractor. They are
selected as respondents for the survey as they are the front-runners of the project
execution. As no consultants are appointed for this project, they are not included in
the study.
For the questionnaire survey, the population means all the technical personnel
of client and contractor (Division Chief/Engineers/Sub-engineers) involved in the
construction of Gondrang-Pulchowk six-lane project. The population size is small,
so all population size is adopted as sample size through census method. Response
rate is one hundred percent.
Aashika Pokharel, Itiza Sharma, and Bipana Lamichhane
International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH
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Table 1
Table 1 Respondents of the survey
S.N. Categories Respondents
Clients Contractors
1
Project Manager
1
1
2
Contract Manager
0
1
2 Engineers 4 4
3 Sub-engineers 9 2
4
Laboratory officers and assistants
2
1
5 Supervisors 4 2
Sub-Total 20 11
Total 31
3.5. DATA COMPILATION AND ANALYSIS
3.5.1. PRIMARY DATA
The major techniques of primary data collection are:
Questionnaire
An interview checklist was developed to collect people’s perception,
understanding and view regarding the quality management aspect of the road
project. It was done by census method. The questionnaire is divided into four main
parts.
Part I is related with which practices for quality management system are
adopted in the road construction projects.
• Practices for quality management system adopted in the road construction
projects.
• Compliance check of standards.
• Practices for achieving quality on projects.
• Ranking of twenty elements of ISO standard.
Part II include the list of factors affecting quality management in road
construction and responsible parties for ensuring quality assurance practices are:
• Factors affecting quality management in road construction.
Part III is related to the immediate practical improvements relevant to Nepal
that could be implemented by projects for improving quality of works. Several
reference were taken such as Adenuga (2013), Arditi (1998), Burati et al. (1992),
Battikha (2003), Chin et al. (2011), Jha et al. (2007), Mishra et al. (2020), Khadka et
al. (2021).
Key Informant Interview
Key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted to the experts of the
construction field and for primary data collection.
3.5.2. SECONDARY DATA
The secondary data was collected from the following sources:
1) Standard Specifications of Roads and Bridges, published by DoR
Quality Management Practices in Gondrang-Pulchowk Six-Lane Road Upgrading Project at Chitwan District, Nepal
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2) Quality control documents maintained by clients and contractors
3) Quality assurance plan (QAP) of this project
4) Laboratory test reports
5) Websites and online portals
6) Previous conducted research works available in nec-cps library
7) Published and unpublished literature
3.6. QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN
The questionnaire was based on current quality practices, factors affecting
quality in the project and remedial measures for quality improvement for
Gondrang-Pulchowk six-lane road project.
The questionnaire was developed to gather the perception of client’s personnel
and contractor’s personnel. The questionnaire was divided into following sections
for meeting that purpose:
Part I: General data collection
Part II
Set I: Practices for achieving quality in this project
Set II: Ranking of ISO elements being followed in this project
Set III: Factors affecting quality of this project
Set IV: Remedial measures for quality improvement for this project
3.7. DATA ANALYSIS
The data obtained from the questionnaire survey was analyzed based on the
ranking of responses of client, contractor, and overall ranking. Based on this ranking
obtained from statistical analysis, the current quality management practices, factors
affecting quality in construction and remedial measure to combat challenges of
quality of this project were analysed.
3.8. VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF RESEARCH TOOLS
Legitimacy of Examination
Legitimacy estimates the level of arrangement of the outcomes or ends
removed from the exploration poll with this present reality. Legitimacy alludes to
how much an instrument estimates what it should gauge Polit and Hungler (1995).
High legitimacy is the shortfall of efficient mistakes in the estimating instrument. At
the point when an instrument is legitimate, it genuinely mirrors the idea it should
quantify Wood and Haber (1998).
The questionnaire set was based on Likert’s scale. A similar type of
questionnaire was also used and the use of RII was also previously used in similar
nature of research by in the research carried out by Adhikari et al. (2022) and
Mishra and Jha (2019), Most results of previous researches were in agreement with
the findings made from the analysis of questionnaire survey in this study. The
questionnaire were prepared with the help of literature review, concerned
engineers, officers of DoR and approved in consultation with the supervisor for the
validity and suitability to serve the purpose of the research.
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3.9. CRONBACH’S ALPHA FOR RELIABILITY OF
QUESTIONNAIRE
Reliability refers to the consistency of the scores. Lesser the consistency within
a given measurement, lesser will be the usefulness of the data for analysis Ritter
(2010). Cronbach’s alpha was developed by Cronbach in 1951. According to Ritter
(2010) cronbach’s alpha is one of the most commonly used reliability coefficient. It
was developed based on the necessity to evaluate items scored in multiple answer
categories. Formula for calculating Cronbach’s alpha is mentioned below:
α = K/(K-1) * [1-(Σσ k 2 / σtotal 2)]
where,
K is the number of items
Σσ k 2 is the sum of the k item score variances
σtotal 2 is the variance of scores on the total measurement
It is interpreted based on the level of reliability as follows:
0 to 0.19 = less reliable
0.2 to 0.39 = rather reliable
0.4 to 0.59 = quite reliable
0.6 to 0.79 = reliable
0.8 to 1.0 = very reliable
Table 2
Table 2 Cronbach’s Alpha Value for Reliability Test
S. N
Description of section
Cronbach's Alpha
I
Quality method
0.755
II
Practices for achieving quality
0.854
III
Ranking of ISO9000 elements
0.841
IV
Factors affecting quality in the project
0.692
The values of Cronbach’s alpha for reliability test can be seen in the table above.
The questionnaires imported from the distributed hardcopies were analysed in the
excel sheet. As we obtained the result of Cronbach’s alpha to be above 0.6 for every
sections in the research, the data from questionnaire is considered to be reliable
based on the aforementioned theory.
3.10. STATISTICAL TOOLS USED FOR DATA PROCESSING
The general significance record technique (RII) was utilized in this to decide
proprietors', and workers for hire's view of the overall significance of the
distinguished presentation factors. The RII will be registered as
Cheung et al. (2004), Iyer and Jha (2005), Ugwu and Haupt (2007):
RII= Σ W
A×N
The RII plans to assess the evaluations of the respondents. This approach is
suggested in the past examinations Olusegun (2011) as proper logical way to deal
with bunches rating of the variable in a given set. The examination included the
Quality Management Practices in Gondrang-Pulchowk Six-Lane Road Upgrading Project at Chitwan District, Nepal
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calculation of RII, which is agent rating point for the aggregate rating made for every
variable in the subset. Utilizing the accompanying condition the overall significance
record of each sub factor is determined as:
Where,
Wi= The rating Given to each factor by the respondents going from 1-4
N= All out no. of respondent
A= Enormous rating score from respondent
3.10.1. SPEARMANN’S RANK ORDER CORRELATION
As indicated by Glen (2013), Spearmann's connection coefficient is factual
proportion of the strength of a monotonic relationship among matched information.
It really intends that in the event that one variable increments (or diminishes), the
other one likewise increments (or diminishes). It is meant by rsor basically r and is
compelled as - 1 ≤ r ≤ 1. Recipe for computing Spearmann's position request
connection is referenced beneath:
ρ = 1- 6*Σdi 2
(n*(n2-1))
Where,
di= difference between ranks between two paired data.
n = number of data.
It is interpreted based on the strength of correlation as follows:
-1 = a perfect negative correlation between ranks
0 = no correlation between ranks
0 to 0.19 = very weak
0.2 to 0.39 = weak
0.4 to 0.59 = moderate
0.6 to 0.79 = strong
0.8 to 1.0 = very strong
+1 = a perfect positive correlation between ranks
Furthermore, spearmann’s rank order correlation was conducted for
hypothesis testing to check the strength of monotonic relationship between the
client’s and contractor’s view in each section as well as comparision of combined
view in each section by formulating the null and alternative hypothesis. The details
of testing are in the chapter four.
4. METHODOLOGY
4.1. RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY
4.1.1. QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE SIX-LANE
ROAD PROJECT
The quality management practices of the project were analyzed based on
questionnaire survey with project managers, engineers, sub-engineers, laboratory
officers and supervisors along with interview with the project managers and
engineers of clients and contractors to check the compliance of contract
specification and guidelines.
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4.1.2. PRACTICES FOR ACHIEVING QUALITY IN SIX-LANE
PROJECT CONSTRUCTION
Questionnaire survey was carried out with clients and contractors to find out
quality management practices adopted for achieving quality in the six-lane project.
Table 3
Table 3 Practices for Achieving Quality in the Project
Item
Practices
Clients
Contractors
Overall
RII Rank RII Rank RII Rank
1 Procurement of equipment
and material
0.763 4 0.977 1 0.87 1
2 Management commitment
and involvement
0.775 3 0.932 3 0.853 2
3
Work improvement teams
0.75
5
0.955
2
0.852
3
4
Benchmarking
0.813
1
0.886
4
0.849
4
5
Measurement of Outcomes
0.788
2
0.841
5
0.814
5
6 Recorded outcomes and
achievements
0.75 5 0.75 8 0.75 6
7
Innovation and creativity
0.688
9
0.773
6
0.73
7
8 Training and Education in
quality
0.75 5 0.614 12 0.682 8
9 Safe Work Procedures
(SWPs)
0.725 8 0.636 10 0.681 9
10
Reward System/Incentives
0.675
10
0.636
10
0.656
10
11
Profitability
0.438
11
0.773
6
0.605
11
12 Designer ISO9000 series
certification
0.375 13 0.705 9 0.54 12
13 Contractor ISO9000 series
certification
0.425 12 0.591 13 0.508 13
Figure 4
Figure 4 RII of Practices in Achieving Quality in the Project
Quality Management Practices in Gondrang-Pulchowk Six-Lane Road Upgrading Project at Chitwan District, Nepal
International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH
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Client’s view
Table 4 shows that client’s personnel ranked “benchmarking” in the first
position with RII of 0.813. Following this practice, “measurement of outcomes” is
ranked second with an RII of 0.788. Similarly, “management involvement and
commitment” is ranked third with an RII of 0.775. However, it is concluded from the
analysis that “reward and incentives”, “profitability”, “Designer ISO9000 series
certification” and “Contractor ISO9000 series certification” are not practiced in the
project.
Contractor’s view
Table 4 shows that “procurement of equipment and material” is ranked first by
the respondents of contractors with an RII of 0.977. Similarly, “work improvement
teams” is ranked second with an RII of 0.955. Also, “management commitment and
involvement” is ranked third with an RII of 0.932. This view is consistent with the
client’s view. However, “training and education in quality” and “contractor’s
ISO9000 certification” are not practiced by the contractors.
Combined view
Table 4 shows that the respondents ranked “procurement of materials and
equipment” in the first position with RII of 0.87. It was followed by “management
involvement and commitment” in the second position with an RII of 0.853. “Work
improvement teams” was ranked third with an RII of 0.852. The respondents ranked
“Designer ISO9000 series certification” and “Contractor ISO9000 series certification
as the least practiced methods in the project. This result was consistent with the
findings of Mishra et al. (2020), Mishra (2018) in a similar research.
Spearmann’s ranked correlation coefficient (ρ) and P-value between
Client’s and Contractor’s view on Section I
• Correlation between Client’s view and Contractor’s view
Spearmann's ranked correlation is given by the formula:
Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between client and contractor’s view
(ρ) = 1− 6Σdi2
N(N2−1)
= 0.59
Where,
di = difference between ranks of two items of questionnaire
N = number of items of questionnaires = 13
From the above data, Spearmann’s ranked correlation is found to be 0.59 which
shows moderate monotonic relationship between client’s view and contractor’s
view.
Hypothesis testing and P-value for Client’s view and Contractor’s view:
1) Null Hypothesis (H0) = There is no monotonic relationship between the
owner’s view and the contractor’s view (i.e. ρ = 0) on the minimizing
measures of claims and disputes in construction of medium sized
hydropower projects.
Aashika Pokharel, Itiza Sharma, and Bipana Lamichhane
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2) Alternate Hypothesis (H1) = There is monotonic relationship between the
owner’s view and the contractor’s view (i.e. ρ ≠ 0) on the minimizing
measures of claims and disputes in construction of medium sized
hydropower projects.
3) Level of significance (α) = 0.05
4) Critical value for 5% level of significance for two tailed test with degree of
freedom (dof) 11 (T critical) = 2.16
5) Calculated value of T-statistics = ρ× √N−2
√1−2
= 0.0338
6) Calculated P-value for dof 34 with above obtained T-statistics (P-value) =
0.0338
7) Result and decision: Here, P-value < α, hence, reject the null hypothesis
(H0) and accept the alternate hypothesis (H1). Therefore, it is concluded
that there is monotonic relationship between the client’s view and the
contractor’s view on practices carried out to achieve quality in the
Gondrang-Pulchowk six-lane construction project.
4.1.3. RANKING OF THE TWENTY ELEMENTS OF ISO
STANDARD IN SIX-LANE ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Table 4
Table 4 Ranking of ISO elements Based on Practice in the Project
Item
Element
Clients
Contractors
Overall
RII Rank RII Rank
RII Rank
1
Inspection
0.875
2
0.955
1
0.91
1
2 Inspection and Test
Status
0.9 1 0.909 4
0.9 2
3 Corrective and Preventive
Action
0.825 4 0.932 2
0.88 3
4 Management
Responsibility
0.85 3 0.841 7
0.85 4
5 Document and Data
Control
0.788 5 0.886 6
0.84 5
6
Calibration
0.725
10
0.909
4
0.82
6
7 Control of
Nonconforming Product
0.775 6 0.841 7
0.81 7
8 Quality System 0.738 9 0.841 7
0.79 8
9
Purchasing of materials
0.625
15
0.932
2
0.78
9
10 Process Control 0.763 8 0.795 13
0.78 9
11 Control of Quality
Records
0.713 11 0.841 7
0.78 9
12
Contract Review
0.688
13
0.841
7
0.76
12
13 Handling, Storage,
Packaging, Preservation
and Delivery
0.688 13 0.841 7
0.76 12
14
Design Control
0.775
6
0.659
17
0.72
14
15 Control of Customer
Supplied Product
0.713 11 0.682 15
0.7 15
16 Identification and
Traceability
0.588 20 0.75 14
0.67 16
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17
Statistical Techniques
0.613
16
0.682
15
0.65
17
18
Servicing
0.6
17
0.659
17
0.63
18
19 Internal Quality Audits 0.6 17 0.614 19
0.61 19
20 Training 0.613 16 0.545 20
0.58 20
Figure 5
Figure 5 Ranking of ISO Elements Based on Practice in the Project.
Client’s view
Table 5 shows that the respondents ranked “Inspection and test status”,
“Inspection” and “Management responsibility” as the first, second and third most
practiced ISO element with RII of 0.90, 0.875, 0.85 respectively. Similarly,
“identification and traceability” and “internal quality audits” are the least practiced
elements of ISO in this project.
Contractor’s view
Table 5 shows that the contractor’s respondents ranked “inspection” in first
position. This result is consistent with the clients as well. Similarly, they ranked
“corrective and preventive action” and “purchasing of materials” as second and third
most practiced elements of ISO.
Combined view
Table 5 shows that the respondents ranked “Inspection”, “Inspection and test
status” and “corrective and preventive action” as the three most practiced elements
of ISO in this project. However, “internal quality audits” and “training” are ranked as
the least practiced element of ISO within this project.
Spearmann’s ranked correlation coefficient (ρ) and P-value between
Client’s and Contractor’s view on Section II
• Correlation between Client’s view and Contractor’s view
Spearmann's ranked correlation is given by the formula:
Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between client and contractor’s view
Aashika Pokharel, Itiza Sharma, and Bipana Lamichhane
International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH
88
(ρ) = 1− 6Σdi2
N(N2−1)
= 0.59
Where,
di = difference between ranks of two items of questionnaire
N = number of items of questionnaires = 20
From the above data, Spearmann’s ranked correlation is found to be 0.59 which
shows monotonic relationship between client’s view and contractor’s view.
Hypothesis testing and P-value for Client’s view and Contractor’s view:
1) Null Hypothesis (H0) = There is no monotonic relationship between the
owner’s view and the contractors view (i.e. ρ = 0) on the minimizing
measures of claims and disputes in construction of medium sized
hydropower projects.
2) Alternate Hypothesis (H1) = There is monotonic relationship between the
owner’s view and the contractor’s view (i.e. ρ ≠ 0) on the minimizing
measures of claims and disputes in construction of medium sized
hydropower projects.
3) Level of significance (α) = 0.05
4) Critical value for 5% level of significance for two tailed test with degree of
freedom (dof) 11 (T critical) = 2.10
5) Calculated value of T-statistics = ρ× √N−2
√1−2
= 3.1002
6) Calculated P-value for dof 34 with above obtained T-statistics (P-value) =
0.0058
7) Result and decision: Here, P-value < α, hence, reject the null hypothesis
(H0) and accept the alternate hypothesis (H1). Therefore, it is concluded
that there is monotonic relationship between the client’s view and the
contractor’s view on practices carried out to achieve quality in the
Gondrang-Pulchowk six-lane construction project.
4.1.4. COMPLIANCE CHECK OF STANDARDS AND QAP
A detailed compliance check with the technical specification of the contract
document of this project was carried out. A comparison of standards against
execution was made along with interview with the project manager of client and
contractor to gather an idea whether the requirements of special specification and
approved QAP are met during the execution of this project. The provisions of
conditions of contract, special specifications and QAP of the contract of this project
were as follows
The technical specification is a part of contract document of this project. It has
two parts:
1) Section A – covers technical specification for quality control, workmanship,
materials, and equipment involved in the construction and it is the same as
Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Work 2073.
2) Section B – covers special provisions to standard specifications to suite
major items of work contained in the BoQ.
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It was also noted that in the contract document provisions that, if there is any
discrepancy between standard and special specification, special specifications shall
prevail.
The special specifications require the following specifications to be met:
1) Traffic Management Provisions
• A Traffic Management Plan TMP must be submitted to the client. It includes
traffic control equipment, signage, traffic closure plans, lane closure plan,
traffic diversion plan,etc.
• Preparation of Traffic Guidance Scheme
This is also covered by BoQ is lump sum.
2) Survey and Setting Out
This part of contract document requires the contractor to supply the client
SMARTROAD survey design and data.
3) Maintenance of the Road
The contractor is required to perform maintenance works to keep the site in
working condition to the satisfactor of the client. They are required to follow “Road
Maintenance Manual” and employ length workers who are working in the routine
maintenance of the project road.
The compensation for this item is also covered in the BoQ of this project.
4) Contractor’s Establishment on Site Office, Equipment Testing
Facilities, etc
As per the contract document, it the responsibility of the contractor to acquire
land for the storage and testing facilities/equipment.
5) Source Approval of Materials
This requires the contractor to select sources of the materials and present it to
the client before the materials are used on the site. The samples should be taken and
tested in the presence of client before approval and the client reserves the right to
accept or reject the materials based on quality control tests performed.
6) Site Safety
It is stated that the contractor should follow established rules and regulations
of all safety matters in the site. During construction, the contractor must erect,
maintain and subsequently remove barricades, guides, lighting, sheeting, shoring,
temporary sidewalks, temporary covering of potential accident areas. All open
excavations, high voltage power lines shall be protected sufficiently to keep out
livestock and ensure safety of workmen and public. It is also stated that the
contractor is responsible for all damages and injury caused by trespassing.
7) Field Laboratory
The contract document requires the contractor to furnish complete lab facilities
including furniture, fittings, equipments, vehicles, manpower, etc. and is to be
managed and operated by the contractors under the general supervision of the
client. It should include but not limit field density test, concrete cube mould,
compaction apparatus, sieve for gradation tests etc. Quality control engineer (QCE)
is to be provisioned who is accountable to the employer and shall work under the
site engineer.
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It was found that there is a provision of “provisional sum for supply and
hiring of NDT and lab equipment to carry out additional tests for material and
works as required and instructed by the project manager” in the contract.
However, there is no separate quality control department established within
the road office.
4.1.4.1. SETTING TIME OF CEMENT
According to the Standard Specification of Roads and Bridges 2073, setting
time: initial setting time min 45 minutes and final setting time max. 600 minutes.
During Key Informative Interview, it was found that SSRB and IS guidelines are
followed while performing laboratory tests.
Table 5
Table 5 Setting Time of Cement
Material Physical
properties
General
Guidelines
Actual Remarks
Cement
Setting time
Initial > 45 min. 230 min Ok
Final < 600 min. 328 min Ok
The setting time test of cement was taken from secondary data and the result
was found coherent to specifications. It was found that average initial setting time
and final setting time of cement is 230 min. and 328 min. respectively, the initial and
final setting time of cement was found that within road specification and standard
guideline.
4.1.4.2. QUALITY OF SAND
Table 6
Table 6 Testing of Sand Quality
Sieve Size (mm)
Specification limit
Actual Result
Remarks
4.75 100 100 100 Ok
2.36 90 100 95.12 Ok
1.18 70 100 82.24 Ok
0.6 40 100 56.78 Ok
0.3 5 70 46 Ok
0.15 0 15 8.78 Ok
0.075 0 5 1.13 Ok
Pan
0
While testing the gradation of sand used in the project via sieve analysis, it was
found that the sand used is within the specification limit as per IS: 2386 (Part III) -
1963. The quality of sand is thus not questionable.
4.1.4.3. QUALITY OF AGGREGATES
According to the guidelines of SSRB and IS, it was mentioned about the
properties like gradation, AIV, flakiness index that should be tested at various stages
of construction.
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Table 7
Table 7 Test of Aggregates
Material
Physical Properties
General Guidelines
Actual
Remarks
Aggregate
Flakiness index
<25%
21%
Ok
AIV value <40%
20.49% Ok
Gradation
Sieve size
Min.
Max
40 100 100 100 Ok
20 90 100 90.82 Ok
10 25 35 26.81 Ok
4.75 0 10 0.82 Ok
While testing the aggregates, it was found to be within the specification limits
as in table 4.14. Thus, the aggregates used at the site were sound enough to carry on
the further works Mishra and Chaudhary (2018), Mishra et al. (2021), Aryal and
Mishra (2020).
4.1.4.4. QUALITY OF CONCRETE
Upon compressive strength test of concrete for M25 concrete being used in slab
culvert, it was found that the target compressive strength is met by the standards.
Table 8
Table 8 Test of Concrete Quality
Specification Limits
Actual Value
Remarks
7 days 28 days 7 days 28 days
16.6 N/mm2 25 N/mm2 18.70 N/mm2 28.75N/mm2 Ok
4.1.4.5. QUALITY OF FINE AGGREGATE IN CONCRETE
Upon testing the gradation of sand used for concreting purpose by sieve
analysis, it was reported that the gradation of sand lies within the specification
envelope provided by the guidelines as in the Appendix. So, the use of such sand is
not objectionable.
Table 9
Table 9 Test of Fine Aggregates in Concrete
Sieve Size
(mm)
Specification limit
Actual
result
Remarks
10 100 100 100 Ok
4.75
90
100
95.01
Ok
2.36 75 100 85.29 Ok
1.18
55
90
69.77
Ok
0.6 35 59 51.85 Ok
0.3
8
30
27.9
Ok
0.15 0 10 9.82 Ok
0.075
0
5
3.94
Ok
Pan
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4.2. FACTORS AFFECTING QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN SIX-
LANE CONSTRUCTION
Table 10
Table 10 Factors Affecting Quality in Construction of the Project
Item
Factors
Client
Contractor
Overall
RII Rank RII Rank RII Rank
1
Lack of Quality training/meeting
0.913
2
0.886
6
0.899
1
2 Escalation of material prices 0.763 10 0.932 3 0.847 2
3
Difficult data collection system
0.8
8
0.886
6
0.843
3
4
Material and equipment cost
0.7
19
0.977
1
0.839
4
5 Project Environment 0.763 10 0.909 4 0.836 5
6
Project labor cost
0.713
17
0.955
2
0.834
6
7
Liquidity of organization
0.725
14
0.909
4
0.817
7
8
Lack of motivation
0.9
3
0.705
10
0.802
8
9
Lack of quality policy
0.725
14
0.818
8
0.772
9
10 Poor relationship and partnering
among project participants
0.9 3 0.636 14 0.768 10
11 Low quality and poor availability of
resources
0.813 6 0.682 11 0.747 11
12
Bureaucracy
0.688
21
0.75
9
0.719
12
13
Poor Training system
0.838
5
0.545
20
0.691
13
14
Lack of process improvement
0.784
9
0.591
16
0.688
14
15
Employee attitudes
0.738
12
0.614
15
0.676
15
16
Nature uniqueness
0.663
23
0.659
12
0.661
16
17
Incompatible tendering procedures
0.725
14
0.568
18
0.647
17
18 Lack of Management commitment 0.625 24 0.659 12 0.642 18
19
Lack of contractor supervision
0.963
1
0.318
25
0.64
19
20 Low effective project management
system
0.7 19 0.568 18 0.634 20
21
Lack of auditing system
0.738
12
0.523
21
0.63
21
22
Low tendency to teamwork
0.813
6
0.364
24
0.588
22
23
Unavailability of competent staff
0.675
22
0.5
22
0.588
22
24 Low quality drawing and
specification
0.545 25 0.591 16 0.568 24
25
Inappropriate method of contractor
0.713
17
0.386
23
0.549
25
Client’s view
Table 10 shows that the client’s respondents ranked “Lack of contractor
supervision”, “lack of quality training/meeting” and “lack of motivation” as the first,
second and third factor affecting quality of this project with an RII of 0.963, 0.913
and 0.9 respectively. However, “low quality drawing and specification” is the least
affecting factor with an RII of 0.713. The result indicates that contractor supervision
is lacking in the project.
Contractor’s view
Table 10 shows that the contractor’s respondents ranked “material and
equipment cost”, “labor cost” and “escalation of prices” as the three most affecting
factors with RII of 0.977, 0.955 and 0.932 respectively. The contractors responded
Quality Management Practices in Gondrang-Pulchowk Six-Lane Road Upgrading Project at Chitwan District, Nepal
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that the least affecting factor of quality is “lack of contractor supervision” with RII
of 0.318. This result is not consistent at all with the client’s view.
A KII was conducted with the experts of the related field to find out the reason
of this inconsistency. According to KII, the following may be the reasons of the
disagreement between client and contractors:
1) Cost factors are more important to contractors than to client.
2) Price escalation provision in contract may not be able to cover the actual
inflation in the market.
3) Reduced responsibility of petty contractors who are hired by the contractor
is also one of the factors affecting quality.
4) Pressure to complete the project within stipulated time can affect quality
aspects.
Spearmann’s ranked correlation coefficient (ρ) and P-value between
Client’s and Contractor’s view on Section III
• Correlation between Client’s view and Contractor’s view
Spearmann's ranked correlation is given by the formula:
Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between client and contractor’s view
(ρ) = 1− 6Σdi2
N(N2−1)
= -0.06
Where,
di = difference between ranks of two items of questionnaire
N = number of items of questionnaires = 13
From the above data, Spearmann’s ranked correlation is found to be which
shows no monotonic relationship between client’s view and contractor’s view.
Hypothesis testing and P-value for Client’s view and Contractor’s view
1) Null Hypothesis (H0) = There is no monotonic relationship between the
client’s view and the contractor’s view (i.e. ρ = 0) on the minimizing
measures of claims and disputes in construction of medium sized
hydropower projects.
2) Alternate Hypothesis (H1) = There is monotonic relationship between the
client’s view and the contractor’s view (i.e. ρ ≠ 0) on the minimizing
measures of claims and disputes in construction of medium sized
hydropower projects.
3) Level of significance (α) = 0.05
4) Critical value for 5% level of significance for two tailed test with degree of
freedom (dof) 11 (T critical) = 2.07
5) Calculated value of T-statistics = ρ× √N−2
√1−2
= -0.3087
6) Result and decision: Here, T-statistic< tabulated t, hence, accept the null
hypothesis (H0) Therefore, it is concluded that there is no monotonic
relationship between the client’s view and the contractor’s view on factors
affecting quality in the Gondrang-Pulchowk six-lane construction project.
Aashika Pokharel, Itiza Sharma, and Bipana Lamichhane
International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH
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5. CONCLUSION
From the comparison of standard guidelines and field execution of works of this
project, most standards are met but a few shortcomings are found. Routine
maintenance works which are carried out in a cycle of three months requires
shorter cycle as per site condition. A traffic guidance scheme is not prepared in
detail as required by the specifications. Site safety owing to open excavation is still
a major problem of this project. Complete digitization of documents is lacking from
client’s end. Proper checklists for quality control need to be established.
Procurement of equipment and material were perceived as major elements
practised for achieving quality. Procurement of equipment and material, data and
information, management commitment and involvement were found to be major
within twenty elements of ISO standard used in the construction of six-lane road
construction. Materials selection and usage along with the inspection and testing of
executed works were major quality control method adopted in the six-lane road
construction project.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS
None.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author is thankful to all the professionals who took part in discussions. The
Author thanks to Nepal Engineering College.
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