Concrete Construction Problems in Far East and Southeast Asian Countries

Abstract

Performance in concrete construction in developing countries such as the Far East and Southeast Asian countries is frequently identified by poor workmanship and inadequate quality control measures. These problems often occur during the erection of falsework and formwork, and during the mixing and handling of the concrete. Some of these problems are peculiar to concrete practices in developing countries; others are more universal problems. Several examples are provided in this paper. Understanding of these problems is needed to prevent their recurrence. The fact that the related facilities and quality control measures are frequently lacking has promoted such problems. Testing of concrete is often limited to the existing facilities, and inspection procedures are minimally or inadequately performed. This paper suggests that more specific quality control and quality assurance can be enforced by establishing a team for quality control and quality assurance, developing a specific quality control and quality assurance program conducive to the local conditions, providing good quality inspectors, and providing the quality team with the authority to mediate between the designer/engineer and the contractor in order to avoid any problems.