Landscape construction processes through a quality management system

Landscape construction processes through a quality management system BY: Hesham Ibrahim Mohammed Hendawy A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science In ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ayman Hassan Ahmed Professor of Architecture Architecture department Cairo University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed M. Amin Associate professor of Architecture Architecture department Cairo University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sherif M. Rabie Khashaba Associate professor of Architecture Architecture department Zagazig University Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University Giza, Egypt 2012

Landscape construction processes through a quality management system BY: Hesham Ibrahim Mohammed Hendawy A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Engineering at Cairo University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science In ARCHITECTURE ENGINEERING Approved by the examining committee Prof. Dr. Ayman Hassan Ahmed, Thesis main supervisor. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Amin, Supervisor. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sherif Mohamed Rabie Khashaba, Supervisor. Assoc. Professor, Zagazig University. Prof. Dr. Hesham Sameh Hussein Sameh, Member. Professor of Architecture, Cairo University Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Fathy El Alfy, Member. Professor of Architecture, Zagazig University. Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University Giza, Egypt 2012

Dedication I dedicate this research work to my supervisors who never failed to teach and guide me, to my family who supports me in everything, to my wife who helped me finished this research with love, and most of all to the Almighty God who gives me strength and good health while doing this.

Engineer: Hesham Ibrahim Mohamed Hendawy Date of Birth: 2 / 2 / 1985 Nationality : Egyptian E-mail : Hesham1600@yahoo.com Phone. : +201005709422 - +20552330484 Address: 29, street no. 9, El-Zhoor District, Zagazig. Registration Date: 1 / 10 / 2006 Awarding Date: Degree: Master of Science. Department: Architecture Engineering. Supervisors: - Prof. Dr. Ayman Hassan Ahmed, - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Amin - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sherif Mohamed Rabie Khashaba. (Assoc. Professor, Zagazig University.) Examiners: Title of Thesis : - Prof. Dr. Ayman Hassan Ahmed, - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Amin - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sherif Mohamed Rabie Khashaba. (Assoc. Professor, Zagazig University.) - Prof. Dr. HeshamSameh Hussein Sameh. - Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Fathy El Alfy, (Professor, Zagazig University.) Landscape construction processes through a quality management system Key Words: Landscape Construction, Quality system, Matrix, Checklist, Resorts. Summary: The care about landscape projects and quality management system in Egypt has increased in the last few years. This research discusses the most common methodologies and criteria for landscape construction processes through a quality management system in Egypt. The main research problem is the absence of clear landscape construction Processes criteria and methodologies through a quality management system in the Egyptian landscape field. So, research aims to extract bundles of criteria and methodologies which achieve quality management system in landscape construction processes and stages, through a simple checklist format. Also check the credibility and comprehensiveness of these checklist indicators, by applying it on under-construction landscape projects which use a quality management system. For achieving research goals, the researcher uses inductive, analytical and applied methodology. The research managed to extract a bundle of criteria and methodologies that achieves quality management system during landscape construction processes. Checklist is implemented on case study specimens; implementation of checklist shows agreement and refused percentage of these projects with the suggested quality criteria. Finally, the research ends with a number of recommendations and the researcher further works.

Contents : Contents... List of tables... List of figures.. Abstract:... I Research introduction.... III Research problems:... IV Research goals:... IV Research limitations:... IV Research methodology:... V Research structure:... VI Chapter One: Landscape Industry Overview... 2 1-1: Overview... 3 1-2: Landscape industry definitions and branches... 3 1-3: Landscape design... 4 1-3-1: Program information gathering... 4 1-3-1-1: Site base map... 5 1-3-2: Site features and characteristics analysis... 6 1-3-2-1: Hard landscaping... 7 1-3-2-2: Soft landscaping... 8 1-3-3: Landscape design process... 8 1-3-4: Diagrams and drawings within the design process... 9 1-3-4-1: Functional diagrams... 9 1-3-4-2: Preliminary designs plans... 11 1-3-4-3: Final plans... 12 1-4: Landscape construction... 13 : 5-1 Legal requirements of landscape construction process... 14 1-5-1: Landscape construction main documents... 14

1-5-1-1: Project manual.... 14 1-5-1-2: Project specifications... 15 1-5-2: Landscape construction drawings... 16 1-5-2-1: Site preparation plans... 17 1-5-2-2: Site layout... 17 1-5-2-3: Grading plans... 18 1-5-2-4: Utility plans... 19 1-5-2-5: Planting plans... 20 1-5-2-6: Construction details... 20 1-6: Landscape management... 21 1-6-1: Project management fundamental criteria... 21 1-6-2: Project management knowledge areas... 22 1-6-2-1: Project integration management... 23 1-6-2-2: Project time management... 23 1-6-2-3: Project cost management... 23 1-6-2-4: Project quality management... 23 1-6-2-5: Project communications management... 23 1-6-2-6: Project human resource management... 24 1-6-2-7: Project scope management... 24 1-6-2-8: Project procurement management... 24 1-6-2-9: Project risk management... 24 1-7: Landscape maintenance... 24 1-8: Participants in landscape industry... 25 1-8-1: Owners... 25 1-8-2: Architects and engineers... 25 1-8-3: Landscape architects... 25 1-8-4: Landscape designers... 25 1-8-5: Sub consultants... 25 1-8-6: General contractors... 26 1-8-7: Landscape construction contractors... 26 1-8-8: Landscape maintenance contractors... 26

1-8-9: Suppliers and manufacturers... 26 1-9: Landscape project as a process... 27 1-10: Conclusio:... 33 CHAPTER 2: PREPARATION PROCESSES FOR LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION AND UTILITIES INSTALLATION... 35 2-1: Overview... 36 2-2: Landscape construction development... 36 2-2-1: Planning the construction stages... 36 2-2-1-1: Bar charts (Gantt charts)... 38 2-2-1-2: Logical network scheduling (CPM)... 39 2-2-1-3: Additional scheduling methods... 39 2-3: Site preparation... 39 2-3-1: Landscape pre-construction activities... 39 2-3-1-1: Construction limits... 41 2-3-1-2: Construction temporary site fencing... 41 2-3-1-3: Site main access and secondary accesses... 42 2-3-1-4: Storage of materials... 42 2-3-1-5: Site security... 44 2-3-1-6: Temporary lighting... 44 2-3-1-7: Site office accommodation... 46 2-3-2: Preservation of existing site elements... 47 2-3-2-1: Plant material protection... 47 2-3-2-2: Structure protection... 49 2-3-2-3: Pavement protection... 49 2-3-2-4: Utility protection... 49 2-3-3: Removing unwanted site elements... 50 2-3-3-1: Plant material removal... 50 2-3-3-2: Removing shrubs... 50 2-3-3-3: Tree removal... 51 2-3-3-4: Pavement removal... 52 2-3-3-5: Utility abandonment and removal... 52

2-4: Site grading... 52 2-4-1: Stripping sod... 52 2-4-2: Strip topsoil and stockpile... 53 2-4-3: Rough grading... 53 2-4-4: Re-spread topsoil... 53 2-4-5: Finish grading... 53 2-5: Site drainage... 55 2-5-1: Surface drainage... 55 2-5-1-1: Grading slopes... 56 2-5-1-2: Grading... 56 2-5-1-3: Grading diversion berms... 58 2-5-2: Subsurface drainage... 59 2-5-2-1: French drains... 59 2-5-2-2: Tile systems... 60 2-6: Landscape lighting and related electrical works... 61 2-6-1: Low-voltage electrical systems... 61 2-6-2: High-voltage electrical systems... 62 2-7: Landscape irrigation systems... 63 2-7-1: Types of landscape irrigation systems... 63 2-7-2: Sprinkler irrigation system... 65 2-7-2-1: Classification of sprinkler systems... 65 2-7-2-2: Sprinkler irrigation system installation... 65 2-7-3: Trickle irrigation system... 70 2-7-3-1: Emitters... 71 2-8: Water, gas and telecommunications utilities... 71 2-8-1: Water systems... 71 2-8-2: Gas systems... 71 2-8-3: Phone, TV, and telecommunications systems... 72 2-8-4: Future use conduits... 72 2-9: Conclusion... 73

CHAPTER 3: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION COMMON PROCEDURES... 75 3-1: Overview... 76 3-2: Landscape retaining walls... 76 3-2-1: Retaining structures usage causes... 76 3-2-2: Types of retaining structures... 77 3-2-2-1: Reinforced embankments... 78 3-2-2-2: Rigid retaining walls.... 79 3-2-2-3: Unit and stack retaining wall systems... 79 3-2-3: Units retaining wall basic installation steps... 81 3-2-3-1: Stacking wall layout... 82 3-2-3-2: Excavation for wall construction... 83 3-2-3-3: Base preparation... 83 3-2-3-4: Placement of first course and subsequent courses... 85 3-2-3-5: Drainage behind walls... 88 3-2-3-6: Landscape fabric installation... 89 3-2-3-7: Compaction behind walls... 89 3-2-3-8: Ending walls... 90 3-3: Landscape paving... 90 3-3-1: Landscape paving classification... 90 3-3-1-1: Pavement classification depending on design... 90 3-3-1-2: Pavement classified depending on its structure... 91 3-3-2: Selection of paving material... 93 3-3-3: Pavements main installation techniques... 93 3-3-3-1: Stacking pavement layout... 93 3-3-3-2: Stripping sod layer... 93 3-3-3-3: Excavation for paving works:... 93 3-3-3-4: Rough grade preparation... 94 3-3-3-5: Subsurface utility work... 94 3-3-3-6: Correcting sub grade problems... 94 3-3-3-7: Geotextile installation... 95 3-3-3-8: Base material installation... 95

3-3-3-9: Edge restraints for paved surfaces... 95 3-3-4: Asphalt paving construction... 97 3-4: Landscape planting... 98 3-4-1: Landscape main plants classification... 98 3-4-1-1: Herbaceous plants... 98 3-4-1-2: Lawns... 101 3-4-1-3: Aquatic and semi-aquatic plants... 101 3-4-1-4: Cactus and succulent plants... 102 3-4-1-5: Climbers and creepers... 102 3-4-1-6: Shrubs... 102 3-4-1-7: Trees... 102 3-4-1-8: Palms... 103 3-4-2: Landscape transplanting techniques... 103 3-4-2-1: The time to transplant... 103 3-4-2-2: Soil conditioning for installation... 104 3-4-2-3: Plants installation... 104 3-4-2-4: Plants mulching... 106 3-4-2-5: Using antitranspirants... 107 3-4-3: Lawn construction... 108 3-4-3-1: Seeding technique... 108 3-4-3-2: Sod dings technique... 108 3-4-3-3: Plugging technique... 109 3-4-3-4: Grading and draining the new lawn... 109 3-4-3-5: First lawn mowing... 110 3-5: Conclusion... 111 CHAPTER 4 : QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FUNDAMENTALS... 114 4-1: Overview... 115 4-2: Quality management definitions... 115 4-3: Quality management activities... 118 4-4: Anatomy of the standards... 119 4-5: Quality management process (PQM)... 120

4-5-1: Defining the current process... 121 4-5-2: Discovering customer needs and flowcharting the process... 121 4-5-3: Establishing process measurements... 121 4-5-4: Analyzing the process... 123 4-5-5: Designing (or redesigning) the process... 123 4-6: Total quality management... 123 4-7: Total quality management main factors... 123 4-7-1: Process/product design... 124 4-8: Conclusion... 126 CHAPTER 5: RESEARCH ANALYTICAL MATRIX AND CONCLUSION OF THE CHECKLIST.... 128 5-1: Overview... 129 5-2: Analytical study structure... 129 5-2-1: Landscape construction processes and quality management system matrix relation... 130 5-2-2: Landscape construction processes checklist through a quality management system... 161 5-2-2-1: The main steps to construct research checklist... 161 5-2-2-2: Advantages of using quality checklist at landscape construction process....162 5-2-2-3: Structure of research cheek list... 162 6: CHAPTER 6: APPLIED STUDY METHODOLOGY AND CASE STUDIES 195 6-1: Overview... 195 6-2: Research applied study frame work... 196 6-2-1: Applied study methodology... 196 6-2-2: Applied study goals... 196 6-2-3: Scope and limitation for selecting application specimen... 196 6-2-4: Tools for gathering data... 196 6-3: Sharm Lagon resort... 197 6-3-1: Project general data... 197

6-3-2: Landscape construction stage data... 197 6-3-3: Site investigation photos... 198 6-3-4: Checklist answers... 199 6-3-5: Checklist results analysis... 204 6-4: Sunterra resort... 209 6-4-1: Project general data... 209 6-4-2: Landscape construction stage data... 209 6-4-3: Site investigation photos... 210 6-4-4: Checklist answers... 211 6-4-5: Checklist results analysis... 216 6-5: Sinai golf heights resort... 221 6-5-1: Project general data... 221 6-5-2: Landscape construction stage data... 221 6-5-3: Site investigation photos... 222 6-5-4: Checklist answers... 223 6-5-5: Checklist results analysis... 228 6-6: Discussion of research applied study results... 233 7: CHAPTER 7: RESEARCH RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS... 234 7-1: Overview... 235 7-2: Research results... 235 7-3: Research recommendations... 241 7-4: Further works... 241 Appendix:... 244 References:... 244

LIST OF TABLES : Table 1-1: Site features and characteristics... 7 Table 1-2: Stages in a landscape installation project... 32 Table 2-1 : Landscape elements minimum and maximum grading ratio for surface drainage systems... 56 Table 2-2 : Comparing between tile systems to drain surface areas and tiles systems to draining subsurface water... 60 Table 2-3 : Comparison of sprinkler and trickle systems... 64 Table 2-4 : Sprinkler irrigation system installation... 70 Table 3-1: Use of retaining structures... 77 Table 3-2 : Main types of rigid retaining walls... 79 Table 3-3 : Main types of unit retaining wall systems... 81 Table 3-4 : Main bases types for retaining walls... 84 Table 3-5 : Retaining walls different types, placement of first course and subsequent courses techniques... 87 Table 3-6 : Edge restraints materials for paved surfaces... 96 Table 3-7: Main Plants installation techniques... 106 Table 4-1: Over view of the ISO 9000 family of standards... 120 Table 4-2 : Service and products quality dimensions comparing... 122 Table 4-3: Critical factors of quality management... 125 Table 5-1 : Landscape construction process and quality management system matrix... 160 Table 5-2 : Research landscape construction checklist through a quality management system... 164 Table 6-1 : Project general data resort for Sharm lagon... 197 Table 6-2 : Landscape construction stage data for Sharm lagon resort... 197 Table 6-3 : Sharm lagon checklist answers... 203 Table 6-4 : Sharm Lagon resort, analysis of checklist answers... 208 Table 6-5: General data resort for Sun terra.... 209 Table 6-6: Landscape construction stage data for Sun terra resort... 209 Table 6-7: Sun terra checklist answers... 215

Table 6-8: Sun terra resort, analysis of checklist answers... 220 Table 6-9 : Project general data resort for Sinai golf heights... 221 Table 6-10: Landscape construction stage data for Sinai golf heights... 221 Table 6-11: Sinai golf heights checklist answers... 227 Table 6-12: Sinai golf heights resort, analysis of checklist answers... 232 Table 6-13 : Research practical study conclusion... 233

LIST OF FIGURES: Figure 1-1: Landscape industry main branches... 3 Figure 1-2: Landscape design process... 4 Figure 1-3: Site base map... 5 Figure 1-4: The two-stage design process: program analysis and site analysis... 8 Figure 1-5 : Diagrams and drawings within the design process... 9 Figure 1-6: Bubble diagram example... 10 Figure 1-7 : Bubble diagram example... 10 Figure 1-8 : Landscape plans development up to preliminary plans... 11 Figure 1-9 : Howard avenue landscape plan overview... 12 Figure 1-10 : Landscape construction plans symbols... 16 Figure 1-11 : Landscape construction main drawings... 17 Figure 1-12 : Site construction lay out drawing example... 18 Figure 1-13 : Grading plan example, showing grading lines.... 19 Figure 1-14 : Planting plan accompanying with a plant list.... 20 Figure 1-15: Project management triangle.... 22 Figure 1-16 : Project management knowledge areas... 22 Figure 1-17: Contractual relationships for a large commercial project.... 26 Figure 1-18: landscape project steps... 27 Figure 2-1: Flow chart of the landscape construction processes... 37 Figure 2-2 : Sample gantt charts... 38 Figure 2-3 : CPM charts identify activities in sequence.... 39 Figure 2-4: Site preparation main stages... 40 Figure 2-5 : Chain link fencing with precast concrete posts... 41 Figure 2-6 : Storage allocation example... 44 Figure 2-7: Site security provisions.... 45 Figure 2-8 : Landscape site construction.... 46 Figure 2-9: Fencing placed at drip line of a tree to protect the root zone... 48 Figure 2-10 : Trees protection at landscape construction site... 48 Figure 2-11 : Temporary bridging to protect paving.... 49 Figure 2-12 : Removal of sod... 50

Figure 2-13: View of a tree removal... 51 Figure 2-14: Example from site for Cut and fill processes... 53 Figure 2-15 : Steps of grading process.... 54 Figure 2-16 : Site drainage main systems... 55 Figure 2-17 : Improve drainage by creating a shallow ditch called a drainage swale.... 57 Figure 2-18 : Grading technique to create drainage swale.... 57 Figure 2-19 : Diversion berm structure.... 58 Figure 2-20 : French drains collect and transport water.... 59 Figure 2-21 : Cross section of rise and cleanout for a tiles drainage system.... 60 Figure 2-22 : Low voltage systems description.... 61 Figure 2-23 : Right figure shows poured concrete footing to which site electrical fixture will be bolted. Left figure shows hand hole at the base of a lighting standard. Electrical connections are made inside this hand hole after the fixture has been installed.... 62 Figure 2-24 : Sprinkler system and trickle system.... 63 Figure 2-25 : Classification of sprinkler systems... 65 Figure 2-26 : Plan of trickle system.... 70 Figure 2-27 : Emitters concept.... 71 Figure 3-1 : Types of retaining structures... 78 Figure 3-2 : Reinforced Embankments example... 78 Figure 3-3 : Units retaining wall basic installation main steps... 82 Figure 3-4: Retaining wall main elements...83 Figure 3-5: Preparing an excavation for retaining wall... 83 Figure 3-6 : Drainage behind retaining wall, then filling behind wall by crashed stone... 88 Figure 3-7 : landscape retaining 2d & 3d section showing drainage behind walls and landscape fabric... 89 Figure 3-8 : Rigid paving installation example.... 91 Figure 3-9: Rigid paving installation example.... 92 Figure 3-10 : Flexible paving and load distribution diagram... 92

Figure 3-11 : Main paving materials... 93 Figure 3-12 : Solving drainage problem exists before pavement installation.... 94 Figure 3-13 : Typical pavement cross section... 97 Figure 3-14 : Landscape main plants classification... 98 Figure 3-15: Annuals example.... 99 Figure 3-16 : Perennials example... 100 Figure 3-17 : Flower bulbs example.... 100 Figure 3-18: Lawn example... 101 Figure 3-19 : Shrubs.... 102 Figure 3-20 : Planting installation differs depending on plant type... 104 Figure 3-21 : Mulching process.... 107 Figure 3-22 : Rolls of fresh sod.... 109 Figure 3-23 : Drainage tile installation under lawn areas... 110 Figure 4-1 : The meaning of Quality.... 115 Figure 4-2: Critical factors of quality management integrated into the transformation process model.... 124 Figure 5-1 : Analytical study structure... 129 Figure 5-2 : Matrix diagram of landscape construction process through quality management system... 130 Figure 5-3 : Structure of research cheek sheet... 162 Figure 6-1 : Site photos from Sharm-lagon resort.... 198 Figure 6-2 : Sun terra resort site investigation photos... 210 Figure 6-3: Sinai golf height resort site visiting photos... 222

Abstract: On one hand, the care about landscape projects in Egypt has increased in the last few years, especially; it becomes an important part of touristic resorts, residential compounds and amusement projects. On the other hand, the success of execution the best international landscape projects is mainly related to the implementation of quality management system and total quality management fundamentals. However, the required interest about landscape construction projects is not found in the local market of Egypt; the absence of specialized local code for landscape construction works is one of its evidences (1). This research discusses the most common methodologies, stages and criteria for landscape construction processes through a quality management system in Egypt. The main research problem is the absence of clear landscape construction Processes criteria and methodologies through a quality management system in the Egyptian landscape field. This research aims to extract bundles of indictors which achieve quality management system in landscape construction processes and stages, through a simple checklist format. Also check the credibility and comprehensiveness of these checklist indicators, by applying it on under-construction landscape projects which use a quality management system. The research is also an attempt to cover the gap resulting from the lake of local data that discusses landscape construction processes in Egypt. For achieving research goals, the inductive methodology is used to reach the most common processes for landscape construction, also to define quality management system, quality management dimensions and total quality management factors. The analytical methodology is also used, by connecting the interlocking relations between various quality system dimensions and landscape processes criteria through a matrix relation. This matrix is used for analyzing the extracted indicators and methodologies from theoretical study and research references; a simple checklist includes common criteria and methodologies through a quality management system are the main result of this matrix relation. Also using applied methodology to check comprehensiveness and ability to use the research checklist indicators in the local market of Egypt, this methodology is done by applying research checklist on a number of under-construction landscape projects. These projects are constructed by Egyptian arms and minds, representing the local Egyptian market. Checklist is filled by project consultant or projects general managers or landscape site engineer using personal interview. According to difficulties faced the researcher in finding these specialized projects; three 1 - This data is gathered from Housing and Building National Research Center"," El-Dokki, Cairo. I

projects where chosen in the city of Sharm-Elshekh which distinguished by the presence of giant touristic projects using quality management system during construction phase. As a result of the previously discussions, the research managed to extract a bundle of criteria that achieve quality management system during landscape construction processes, which have reached 40 main criteria and 905 secondary criteria. These criteria are organized in a simple checklist which can be used by site engineers during landscape construction processes as a common tool of quality management system. Checklist is implemented on case study specimens; implementation of checklist shows agreement percentage of these projects with the suggested quality criteria. The agreement percentages of these projects with the suggested criteria are varied from 70% to 76%, the percentages of refused and impossibility to apply suggested criteria are varied from 24% to 30. This research ends with a number of recommendations as, increasing the local awareness about the importance of applying quality management system in landscape projects, also increase the care about scientific research in this field and studying the creation of local specialized code for landscape works. Research also recommends developing the resulting checklist to be fully compatible with the local market of Egypt, and upgrading it to include all stages of construction phases and methodologies which could not be implied in this research, also applying it to a bigger specimens, in order to make this list an active tool in the hands of engineers and specialist during landscape projects. II