Development and Application of a Digitalized Construction Quality Document Management System for Advanced Construction Using Building Information Modeling

Abstract

Quality is paramount in construction projects, with inspection being a cornerstone of effective quality management. However, prevailing practices in the construction quality document management system (CQDMS) are riddled with complexity and are plagued by inefficient inspection processes, improper documentation, cumbersome handling of nonconformance reports, and inadequate correspondence and record-keeping. These challenges, compounded by communication gaps, overlooking checkpoints, and the arduous manual transition from paper to digital records, increase the risk of defects, jeopardizing structural integrity and escalating risk. The lack of a standardized and transparent system for managing quality information undermines assurance processes and increases the likelihood of stakeholder disputes. Moreover, the manual nature of inputting, retrieving, analyzing, and disseminating inspection results consumes valuable time and resources and is prone to errors and the risk of data manipulation. The challenges highlight the need for innovative solutions to streamline the inspection and documentation process, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Therefore, in confronting these challenges, this research focuses on (1) identifying the disruptions and challenges associated with the existing CQDMS; (2) developing a CQDMS using the building information modeling (BIM) integrated quality management system (QMS), named QMS-BIM, to enhance the traceability and transparency of quality management; this framework has been developed using an application programming interface and a specialized plugin in Autodesk Revit (BIM platform); and (3) evaluating the developed framework through practical implementation on an Indian national highway (NH) project, where construction experts assessed the model’s performance. The results showed that the QMS-BIM framework achieved over 80% better performance and attained effectiveness levels of around 78%, significantly surpassing conventional CQDMS based on implementation results obtained from the NH project. The study leverages the transformative potential of BIM to develop QMS-BIM to centralize and digitalize CQDMS, standardizing construction QMS for consistency, security, and enhancing construction engineering and management efficiency in construction projects. The developed construction quality document management system (CQDMS), which utilizes building information modeling (BIM), named QMS-BIM, offers a practical solution for the construction industry’s quality management challenges. Through QMS-BIM, construction teams can efficiently track, document, and analyze quality-related data throughout the project life cycle. For instance, during the construction phase, contractors can use BIM models to visualize and inspect construction elements in real time while simultaneously recording inspection results directly into the QMS-BIM system. This process streamlines communication, reduces errors, and enhances data accuracy. Furthermore, QMS-BIM facilitates proactive quality management by automatically identifying potential issues and deviations from quality standards, enabling prompt corrective actions. During the postconstruction phase, the comprehensive documentation stored in QMS-BIM ensures accountability, facilitates audits, and provides valuable insights for future projects. Overall, the practical application of QMS-BIM empowers construction professionals to optimize quality management practices, improve project outcomes, and enhance stakeholder satisfaction.