TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The ACRD legislation requires State Road Authorities to develop and implement quality systems for management of projects and programs on National Highways and National Arterials. This requirement has been included to ensure that the federal government is getting the best value for its road dollar. This paper discusses current quality-related Australian practices of the past few decades and proposes a strategic plan for the development of a quality management system suitable for applications to the road industry. System elements, which are considered necessry for its practical implementation, are also proposed and discussed in some detail. In this respect, particular emphasis is given to research and development needs and the role of the Australian Road Research Board in fulfilling these objectives. The proposed system involves the introduction of quality manuals, to be prepared by the contractor and to include his intended quality control program, the assessment of these manuals by the Road Authories, and the use of a reference section, to be constructed under close supervision of the Authority. The reference section is then thoroughly tested to provide for estimates of quality parameters, which are acceptable to both parties, for incorporation into the quality assurance program of the Authority. The proposed system is structured to ensure active involvement of both parties, the contractor and the Authority, in building in quality during all stages of the road construction.