Quality Management Model for Curbing Failure of Reinforced Concrete Buildings in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Failure of reinforced concrete buildings raised concerns about quality of buildings in Dar es Salaam. Manufacturing companies realized that key area to ensure commercial success is quality of product and several methods to help in this regard have emerged under Total Quality Management (TQM). Literature indicated that associated research in the construction industry has received little attention by comparison. The purpose of this research was to develop a model to facilitate quality management to curb failure of reinforced concrete buildings in Dar es Salaam. The study adopted triangulation research strategy with cross-sectional and case study research designs. The cross-sectional design employed face to face interview using research schedule, while the case study design employed collective case studies. A survey of 46 reinforced concrete buildings under construction in Dar es Salaam was undertaken. In addition, 36 cases of structural soundness investigations including two cases of multi-storeyed reinforced concrete buildings collapse and one multi-storeyed reinforced concrete building demolished for claims of poor quality in Dar es Salaam were analyzed. The results revealed that over half (64.2%) of reinforced concrete buildings do not meet minimum structural strength requirements. Null hypothesis was rejected (p < 0.001 and F = 23.336) implying that there is relationship between structural integrity and quality management practices of reinforced concrete buildings’ construction in Dar es Salaam. To ameliorate the weaknesses found in the study results, a facilitative quality management model has been developed. The model is based on TQM with five components, two of the components are management tools and three are TQM principles. Results of the model’s evaluation in five building construction companies were in general, positive and encouraging. Practitioners concurred that the proposed model offers a simple, easy to understand and well structured. They also recognized that the model is systematic, applicable and practical for the intended purpose. Overall, the objectives set at the outset of this research have been achieved.