ACTA TECHNICA CORVINIENSIS - Bulletin of Engineering

1.2., 3.SALAHALDEIN ALSADEY, ABDELNASER OMRANABDUL HAMID KADIR PAKIRDEFECTS IN THE LIBYAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY:A CASE STUDY OF BANI WALID CITYAbstract:Defects in newly completed buildings are fast becoming serious phenomena as more low cost andmedium cost houses are being built. One of the many approaches that have been utilized to alleviatedefects is the introduction of the zero defects concept in construction. This research is undertaken tofind out the level of awareness and perception of construction industry players about this concept,and whether zero defects or an aim towards achieving zero defects is attainable. A review of therelevant literature on the subject of defects and the zero defects concepts was executed, followed by afield research in the form of a questionnaire. The scope of this paper encompasses a study of defectsin construction industry, and the concept and its application in the local construction scene in Libya.This paper has managed to ascertain that despite the unenthusiastic responses from members in theindustry towards this concept in general, most industry players are optimistic that defects can bereduced if certain constructive measures are taken. In summary, the findings of this paper aresuggested that absolute zero defects may not be attainable, in concurrence with the literature reviewearlier. However, if proactive steps are taken, the quest towards achieving zero defects can beobtained.Keywords:zero defects, construction industry, awareness and perception, LibyaINTRODUCTIONThe construction industry all around the worldis getting modern, advance and growing day byday with the help of information technologyage. Libya has a very big covered land andaccordingly the requirement of the people is todevelop big and better facility in the houses aswell as in the housing society. One of thecompetition which government is facing ispeople want to pay more to buy better qualityhouses for the better living. To build anaffordable and good quality housing schemesgovernment has to use the strategic planning toover come this issue. Another important aspectof the construction industry is the residentialpart, the planning and the development ofresidential properties which hold special interestfor estate management surveyors. Buildingdesigners' decisions affect long term quality a lifecycle cost of buildings; the three most importantdesign-related failure causes were weatherimpact, impacts from occupants and loads aswell as moistures from the wet areas. Insufficientconsiderations for these failures causes werefound to be the key in preventing these defects.The design strategies that could successfullyprevent triggering these defects include aligningmaterial performance against adverse weatherconditions, preventing impact from occupants© copyright FACULTY of ENGINEERING – HUNEDOARA, ROMANIA 105