Quality Management: The Common Thread of Good Practice (Part 1)-Updating of the 121R-08, “Guide for Concrete Construction Quality Systems in Conformance with ISO 9001” (PDF)

Updating of the 121R-08, “Guide for Concrete Construction Quality Systems in Conformance with ISO 9001” (PDF)

Pdf Summary

The document outlines the introduction and objectives of the ACI 121 “Audit Document" presented at the Concrete Convention and Exposition in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 27, 2018. Assembled by Tom Tyler and other committee members, the document is designed to serve as a starting point for evaluating an organization’s Quality Management System (QMS).<br /><br />The primary objectives of the “Audit Document” include providing comprehensive background information on QMS common processes, audit principles, techniques, and protocols. It offers sample procedures, templates, and questions, facilitating a detailed understanding of auditing within the construction industry and its quality management requirements for design and production.<br /><br />The document initially began as a set of inquiries but evolved into a broader examination of quality systems encompassing batching, admixture, precast, and testing labs — although the original scope was ultimately deemed overly extensive.<br /><br />The scope covers QMS overviews, emphasizing ISO 9001 and TQM approaches, along with audit program characteristics. Different types of audits are discussed, such as internal audits for self-improvement or external ones for compliance and improvement.<br /><br />An audit is outlined as a structured process involving notification, preparation, debriefing, and follow-up, respecting professionalism and privacy. It also offers tools like checklists and templates to assist in audits, including techniques for auditing design and contract documentation. <br /><br />The appendices further include complete audit procedures, sample forms, and a vast array of audit-ready questions, totaling 360 for various QMS aspects. Plans for the future consider integrating references to international standards and adding specific focus areas like testing labs and batching processes.<br /><br />The document concludes with intentions for future expansion and referencing additional quality standards such as EN, ISO, NRMCA, PCI, and CSA.

Keywords

ACI 121

Audit Document

Quality Management System

Concrete Convention

audit principles

ISO 9001

construction industry

internal audits

audit procedures

international standards