Quality Assurance in Civil Engineering: Flow-Diagram Practice

Purpose of Task

This task provides learners with a visual learning approach, demonstrating how QC/QA processes are sequenced and integrated in civil engineering projects. Learners will complete a flow diagram showing inspection, reporting, escalation, and corrective action, ensuring compliance with UK regulations and standards.

Scenario:

You are the QA/QC Officer on a multi-storey commercial building project in London. During routine inspection, a beam reinforcement placement deviated from the approved design specifications. As per project procedures, the non-conformance must be addressed, documented, and escalated according to UK regulations and company QA/QC standards.

Relevant standards and legislation:

  • BS EN ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management system, process control, and continual improvement
  • Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) – Roles and responsibilities, risk management
  • Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) – Structural integrity and workmanship
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) – Integration of safety in quality processes

Step 1: Define Key Processes to be Sequenced

The flow-diagram should include the following key QA/QC processes:

  1. Initial Inspection – Identify non-conformance during routine QC checks.
  2. Document Non-Conformance – Complete Non-Conformance Report (NCR) including location, description, and specifications violated.
  3. Immediate Corrective Action (if required) – Stop work or isolate defective element to prevent further issues.
  4. Notify Stakeholders – Inform site supervisor, project engineer, and QA Manager.
  5. Analysis and Root Cause Investigation – Determine why the non-conformance occurred (human error, material issue, design misinterpretation).
  6. Corrective Action Planning – Propose measures to rectify the nonconformance (rework, replacement, process modification).
  7. Approval of Corrective Action – QA Manager or Project Engineer approves plan in compliance with BS EN ISO 9001:2015.
  8. Implementation of Corrective Action – Execute rectification under supervision.
  9. Verification and Re-Inspection – QA/QC team checks corrected work meets specifications.
  10. Close NCR and Record Lessons Learned – Document outcome for audit trail and continuous improvement.

Assessor Notes:

  • Each process step must clearly show who is responsible and which UK legislation or standard applies.
  • The flow-diagram demonstrates LO1–LO4, linking QC/QA principles to stakeholder responsibilities and compliance.

Step 2: Flow-Diagram Template

Learners are provided with a partially completed flow-diagram and are required to fill in missing steps, add responsible stakeholders, and map relevant legislation.

Example of Partial Flow-Diagram Table for Completion:

StepDescriptionResponsible
Stakeholder		Relevant UK
Standard /
Legislation		Action Required
1Initial InspectionQC Inspector /
Site Engineer		BS EN ISO
9001:2015,
HSWA 1974		Identify nonconformance,
document findings
2Document NCRQC InspectorISO 9001:2015Complete NCR with
details and photos
3Stop Work /
Isolate Defect		Site SupervisorCDM 2015,
HSWA 1974		Prevent further use
of defective element
4Notify
Stakeholders		QA OfficerISO 9001:2015,
CDM 2015		Inform project
manager, QA
Manager, and
contractor
5Root Cause AnalysisQA Officer /EngineerISO 9001:2015Investigate deviation causes
6Corrective
Action Planning		QA Officer /
Project Engineer		ISO 9001:2015,
Building
Regulations 2010		Propose corrective
measures
7Approve
Corrective
Action		QA Manager /
Project Engineer		ISO 9001:2015Review and approve
plan
8Implement
Corrective
Action		Site Team / QC
Inspector		CDM 2015,
Building
Regulations 2010		Execute plan and
supervise work
9Verification /
Re-Inspection		QC Inspector /
QA Officer		BS EN ISO
9001:2015		Confirm nonconformance
rectified
10Close NCR /
Lessons
Learned		QA Officer /
Project Manager		ISO 9001:2015Document outcome
and update QA
records

Learner Task Instructions:

1. Complete the Flow-Diagram:

  • Fill in any missing process steps, responsible stakeholders, and actions required.
  • Ensure each step references UK legislation or standards.

2. Create a Visual Flow-Diagram:

  • Convert the table into a visual flow chart showing sequence of processes, decision points, and escalation paths.
  • Include arrows for flow, decision diamonds for approvals, and boxes for each process step.

3. Reflective Analysis:

  • Explain why each step is necessary in ensuring quality and regulatory compliance.
  • Discuss differences between QC (reactive inspection) and QA (preventive planning) in the flow.
  • Identify stakeholders responsible for compliance and corrective actions.

4. Scenario Application:

  • Apply your flow-diagram to a hypothetical civil engineering scenario, e.g., foundation pour, beam reinforcement, or cladding installation.
  • Show how NCRs, escalation, and corrective action maintain compliance with UK regulations.

5. Submission Requirements:

  • Length: 3–4 pages (including visual diagram)
  • Include headings, tables, and flow-diagram visuals
  • Reference all UK laws and standards (ISO 9001:2015, CDM 2015, Building Regulations 2010, HSWA 1974)

Expected Learner Outcomes

Upon completing this task, learners will be able to:

  1. Visually sequence QA/QC processes from inspection to corrective action.
  2. Understand the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders at each step.
  3. Link each process step to UK legislation and standards.
  4. Distinguish between reactive quality control and proactive quality assurance in practice.
  5. Demonstrate practical skills in flow-diagram creation and process documentation for civil engineering projects.