Garenmarkt parking garage, Leiden | Independent quality assurance: a 'must' within modern construction

During the realization of the parking garage at the Garenmarkt in Leiden, the construction combination Dura Vermeer/BESIX is working intensively with bouAd adviesgroep. The Katwijk aan Zee-based agency provides first- and second-line quality control and offers solid support during execution.

An eye for the level of detail is a "must.

The cooperation between Dura Vermeer and bouAd is not new. Several years ago, the companies already joined forces around the construction of several parking garages and basements in Amsterdam. "During those projects Dura Vermeer already acted responsibly and, regardless of an imminent quality assurance regulation, had its works inspected by an independent specialist. And that was us," said Henk Prijs, second-line quality controller within bouAd.

Closing piece
Monitoring and recording quality is primarily a builder's job. Also within the Leiden project framework. From the design process, Dura Vermeer/BESIX itself signs for the first-line control. bouAd Adviesgroep provides the first- and second-line control as an independent inspector. Subsequently, the subcontracting is monitored through a third-line control. "In traditional construction, the superintendent used to walk his inspection rounds himself, now it is done by a first/second-line inspector," says Price. "All components to be inspected are carefully digitally described, recorded and monitored in Gappless. Of course, we still sometimes use paper drawings. But for performing inspections on site, a digital device like an iPad is indispensable. Everything is digitally photographed and directly linked to the relevant form, location and drawing. The system ensures that a follow-up action cannot take place until any defect has been resolved and ticked off. In this way, we check each other and have a conclusive document in which the responsibilities of everyone involved are recorded. And that is very important. Especially when, as in this case, there is a complex concrete construction."

The iPad is indispensable when shooting.

Spearheads
Gathering knowledge and sharing knowledge are important focal points for "rot in the business" Henk Prijs. "After six months of shadowing, we fully master the process and the project," he says. "The structural engineering knowledge we have gained is then also taken into account during the finishing phase. A phase to which, in addition to providing project management, I will also contribute quite a bit in terms of execution."  

Text | Chris Elbers  Image | bouAd consulting group
Featured image: The man in his work environment.