Content area
Abstract
This thesis assesses failures in the construction industry. Failure is defined as having occurred when construction does not fulfil the reasonable expectations of anyone influenced by the construction. This definition includes collapse, excessive cost and wasteful use of raw materials. Construction differs from most industrial activities in a number of important respects: (a) It is carried out in all parts of the world, in all climatic conditions, under the influence of all political and religious persuasions, and in conjunction with all levels of economic activty. (b) Its role of providing shelter, water supply and waste disposal is long established. (c) Many of its works are designed and built as individual projects, thus limiting the scope for mass production. An outline of the demand for construction work is followed by a description of typical defects and failures. Defects and failures are expensive to rectify, relative to the cost of initial construction, and many cause loss of life. Defects and failures are common despite better training and education. It is concluded that most defects and failures could be minimised, and often prevented, by improvements in the use of existing knowledge, personnel and materials.