Assessment of Quality Management Practices of Selected Façade Materials
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Date
2025-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This research investigates the quality management practices of wall exterior finishing materials in public construction projects in Addis Ababa. The study aims to identify commonly used finishing materials, assess the quality planning, control, and assurance the current practices applied, examine the key factors affecting their performance, and propose a guideline for improvement. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative data through questionnaires, interviews, site observations, and document reviews. Triangulation was applied to ensure the reliability of findings across projects handled by the Addis Ababa Design and Construction Works Bureau, Addis Ababa Housing Development Corporation, and the Ministry of Health. The spatial scope of the study is limited to public building projects located within Addis Ababa, while the thematic scope centers on quality management practices related to wall exterior finishing materials specifically focusing on quality planning, quality control, and quality assurance. The study covers mid-rise (5-12) story public buildings constructed over the past fifteen years. Key findings reveal that durability, availability, and cost-efficiency dominate material selection, while sustainability, safety, and compatibility with other systems are often overlooked. Gaps were identified in documentation practices, material integration, and design specification clarity. Inadequate quality assurance systems and incomplete design documents prior to material procurement were common across projects. These issues have contributed to delays, increased costs, and reduced durability of exterior finishes. The study mentions strengthening design documentation, enforcing material compatibility assessments during the planning stage, and institutionalizing design review mechanisms before material procurement. These measures are vital for enhancing quality management practices and ensuring more sustainable and resilient public infrastructure in Addis Ababa.
Key words: Exterior finishing materials, Quality management, public building projects, Quality planning, Quality control, Quality assurance, façade defects