ROAD CONSTRUCTION QMS KEY ISSUES: RESPONSIBILITIES, COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND PRODUCT QUALITY

This paper discusses the current mode of implementation of QMS by state road authorities (SRAs) and contractors with particular reference to unbound pavement construction. An improved approach to the development of construction QMS is proposed based on currently emerging issues regarding construction cost-effectiveness and confidence in construction quality. The paper emphasises the need to recognise the role of road authorities as product suppliers and the need for them to develop and implement all the programs and techniques which are necessary to provide assurance regarding the quality of the product, in a similar manner to any other party involved in the overall road building process. The paper also emphasises the need forroad authorities to modify their current technical specification from onethat highlights compliance schemes and procedures to one that defines thetarget, or required, product quality and for construction contractors to develop and implement quality control programs for all major steps of the construction process, particularly that of unbound pavements. (a) For thecovering abstract of this conference see IRRD abstract no. 861222.