Kot Engenharia

Project Quality Certification (PQC): an imminent necessity

Project_Quality_Certification

Introduction

For a long time now, the world has been experiencing major population growth. According to data from the United Nations Organization (UNO), in 1950 the world population was around 2.6 billion people and in 1987 this figure had already increased by 100%, reaching the mark of more than 5 billion individuals [1]. Currently, the population growth rate in the world does not reach 1.2% per year and this rate is decreasing over time [2], but the Earth has already surpassed the 7.8 billion mark.

As a result, demand across all areas was also affected and rose sharply. To meet the needs arising from this increase, engineers around the world were compelled to take ever-greater steps to optimize all existing processes, machines, materials, and structures, and to develop new methodologies and technologies.

Furthermore, when it comes to the construction of structures—whether residential, commercial, or infrastructure—the progress made in recent years has been immeasurable. Subsequently, this knowledge has been widely disseminated, covering everything from design to calculation, analysis, materials technology, and construction techniques. [3]

However, there are negative consequences to this development, as it has led to an increase in the risks involved. Even so, errors can occur, resulting in premature deterioration and structural defects, or even fatal accidents. [3] Kot verifies projects carried out by other companies to certify their quality. Read on to learn a little about CQP!

Project Quality Certification - CQP

The Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) states: “The assessment of a design’s compliance must be performed by a qualified, independent professional—other than the designer—who is appointed and hired by the contracting party, and must be recorded in a specific document that will accompany the design documentation…,” thereby making the assessment of compliance for concrete designs mandatory. In order to meet the requirements of the NBR standard and given the complexity involved in the preparation of construction designs for steel or concrete structures, Kot provides Project Quality Certification (CQP).

In general, the scope of this service can vary significantly depending on the client’s needs and the final subject of study; however, the steps typically carried out by the company during the CQP are listed below for steel structures, foundations, and reinforced concrete structures.

     

      • Understanding the project in order to ensure its correct verification, to avoid problems during the construction phase;

      • Evaluate the project's calculations and assumptions;

      • Carrying out structural simulations to check projects;

      • Review and validation of technical drawings;

      • Analysis of the assembly sequence of the structures;

      • Accompanying and/or recommending the manufacture, assembly, disassembly and maintenance of structures in accordance with regulatory standards.

    Next, suggestions for improvements or corrections to address nonconformities identified during the inspections may be made. 

    In fact, accidents involving structures typically have serious consequences, including significant financial, environmental, and humanitarian losses. Incidents such as the collapse of bridges and overpasses can result in fatalities, environmental risks, and losses amounting to millions of reais. For this reason, all of this can be prevented by conducting design quality certification.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, reading this text highlights the growing need for structures to meet population demands that have increased exponentially in recent decades, whether related to housing, employment, or infrastructure (such as bridges, overpasses, and footbridges). Furthermore, to meet the requirements set forth in standards, it is important that projects undergo the certification process to ensure they comply with these requirements, thereby preventing errors and nonconformities that could potentially lead to accidents.

    Furthermore, obtaining project quality certification offers significant financial benefits when compared to the potential impacts associated with project errors. Thus, investing in Project Quality Certification reinforces the business’s commitment to sustainability, strengthening its social, environmental, and financial commitments. 

    Consequently, Kot’s team includes civil and mechanical engineers qualified to perform quality certifications for your project on structures such as highway bridges, railroad bridges, and overpasses. The company’s mission is to develop engineering solutions with excellence, and it has the expertiseto assess your needs.

    If you, like our more than 150 clients, are looking for engineering solutions for your operation, contact our team and find out more about our services. Since 1993, we have specialized in developing engineering solutions using computational methods.

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    References:

    Cover image credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/5fNmWej4tAA

    [1] The world’s population is growing: it has doubled in half a century. O Tempo, December 7, 2020. Available at: https://www.tempo.com/noticias/ciencia/a-populacao-mundial-esta-disparando-dobrou-em-meio-seculo.html

    [2] Population growth. Brasil Escola, [S.I]. Available at: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/geografia/o-crescimento-populacional-no-mundo.htm

    [3] CMS, Vicente and R Thomaz, "Pathology, recovery and reinforcement of concrete structures" [S.I]. PNI, 1998.

    Kot Engenharia Team

    With more than 30 years of history and many services provided with excellence in the national and international market, the company promotes the integrity of its clients' assets and collaborates in solving engineering challenges. To achieve this, it uses tools for the calculation, inspection, instrumentation and monitoring of structures and equipment.