Analysis of Recurrent Defects in the Execution of Ceramic-Coatings Cladding in Building Construction

Abstract

This article presents a series of results that emerged from the implementation of the first phase of a Continuous Improvement study applied to a particular housing construction project. As a result of the study, it was possible to determine the relationship between the most common construction defects in ceramic cladding. Of 7 statistical analysis tools, the 4 most relevant have been selected and systematically used during the present work: data collection sheet, stratification, histogram, and Pareto diagram. The results show that there are 25 main types of detected - and most recurring - incidences of defects in housing construction. From the total sum of accounted defects, 87.5% occur during the execution process, whereas almost half - 47.6% - are caused by or derived from improper grout preparation or faulty application. This relation of defects can be used by professionals in the construction industry to implement Continuous Improvement projects focused on minimizing failures. It can also be used as a checklist to carry out quality control of ceramic cladding. © 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.