CONSTRUCTION FACILITIES AUDIT: QUALITY SYSTEM-PERFORMANCE CONTROL

The technical practice of the construction facilities audit is identified and described. This audit is performed by independent, experienced engineers on work under construction. Elements of the work in progress are checked at the site for compliance with project requirements, and design problems are identified that impact constructability or that may impact facility performance. The primary objective of the audit is to control and enhance the construction quality-management system. Definitions from both the construction and quality sciences are reviewed for appropriateness to the construction facility audit. The functions of the facilty audit are compared with a financial audit. An example of a construction facilities audit performed on resident engineering field offices by the Arizona Department of Transportation is presented, and the general steps are discussed. It is recommended that the construction facilities audit be used by large or ongoing construction programs. Information about actual system performance as demonstrated by the construction itself provides positive system control. Knowledge about the true results of a quality-management system is particularly important when new quality programs are being implemented.