Introducing and Managing Quality Scheme for RMC Industry in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

There is tremendous growth in the use of ready-mixed concrete (RMC) for construction in developing countries. In Saudi Arabia, the production and use of RMC is now widespread, but the quality of concrete construction is still generally substandard. The RMC industry is not regulated or monitored. This has contributed to a general disregard for the basics of good quality as well as cheating by some RMC producers. To rectify the situation and to improve the performance of RMC producers, systematic external monitoring and inspection is required. Recently, the Municipality of Riyadh has started implementing a mandatory quality scheme for RMC plants operating in the city. The scheme was designed considering the difficulties and constraints common to implementing a quality scheme in developing countries. This paper gives details of the quality scheme as developed for RMC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the scheme's objectives, its elements, as well as the major difficulties and challenges encountered during its development and implementation are highlighted and discussed. This scheme's impact on the performance of RMC producers and the quality of concrete produced during the first two years are presented. The implementation of the scheme has resulted in tangible improvement in all aspects of RMC operation and product quality. Based on the experience and progress achieved so far, it can be concluded that a mandatory quality scheme can be introduced successfully into the existing RMC industry in developing countries with immediate benefits to the industry and its customers.