COMMON PROBLEM

ENCOUNTERED IN
BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
I. MOBILIZATION
1. Insufficient manpower deployed in the
project site.
2. Inadequate equipment deployed in the
project site.
3. Lack/Inadequate supply of construction
materials.

-Work overtime to catch-up with the schedule
and programs.
-Throughly review/check PERT/CPM and
schedule then make the necessary
adjustment on the number of manpower and
equipment to avoid delay.
-Impose penalty if necessary.
-Review/Check the flow and the acquisition
of supply by the contractor, if found
inadequate, require the contractor to make
the necessary adjustment to catch up
with the requirement.
-Review the financial status of the contractor
-If possible proritize construction activities
based on the availability of the materials.
-Impose penalty if necessary.
NVPILAR 2011


PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
I.MOBILIZATION

4. Inadequate/lack of testing
equipment on the project site.

5. Inadequate/lack of safety measures
and signboards including Personal
Protective
Equipment of workers on the project
site.

6. Improper disposal of waste
materials and debris within the
project site.

7. Lack of the necessary permit and
clearances from local officials.
-Require the contractor to strictly
follow the requirement of the contract.
-Conduct briefing and trained contractors
personnel on the necessity of these
as part of the contract.
-Provide/set-up guidelines and procedures
for immediate Implementation of the
contractor.
-Imposed penalty if necessary.
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
II. EARTHWORKS
ITEM 800-CLEARING AND GRUBBING
ITEM 801-REMOVAL OF STRUCTURES
AND OBSTRUCTIONS
1. Presence of underground utilities
such as power lines, PLDT, existing
MWSS lines.

2. Presence of underneath existing
structure such as existing footing
foundation.

3.Cut-off elevation not clearly
established.





-Verify plan if the structure to be
constructed will be directly affected
by the underground utilities.
-Report/coordinate to proper authorities
for removal and or relocation.
-Check construction schedule and prepare
necessary adjustment in the contract
duration or prepare revised PERT/CPM
incorporating said encountered problem.
NVPILAR 2011


PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
ITEM 802: EXCAVATION
ITEM 803: STRUCTURE EXCAVATION
1. Non conformance to the
requirements for lines, grades,
dimension and elevations.
2. Non conformance to the excavation
support system for major excavation
works.
-Review/checked plan as against field
measurement and make the necessary
corrections and adjustments.
-Dont allow the contractor to continue
the work unless otherwise said defect
had been corrected.
-Strictly enforced shoring and bracing
bracing requirements to avoid accident.
-Issue instruction/directive to the
contractor regarding said defects.
-Imposed penalty if necessary.
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
ITEM 804- EMBANKMENT
1. Presence of unsuitable materials.
2. Non-conformance with the required
thickness of gravel filling.
3. Non-conformance to the required
density of compaction.
-Conduct visual inspection to determine
actual classification of soil, recommend
removal and disposal of unsuitable
materials and replaced with suitable
materials in accordance with
specifications.
-Conduct inspection and require the
contractor to comply with requirements.
-Conduct compaction test until the
materials reached the require density.
NVPILAR 2011
PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
III. TERMITE CONTROL AND WOOD PRESERVATION
ITEM 1000.3.1-SOIL POISONING
ITEM 1000.3.3-WOOD PRESERVATION

1. Non-conformance to the required
concentration and rate of
application of the soil poisoning
solution and wood protection.




-Verify and supervised the preparation
and mixing of soil poisoning and wood
preservation solution to ensure
compliance with specifications.

NVPILAR 2011
PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS CORRECTIVE ACTION/
REMEDIAL MEASURES
IV. FOUNDATION WORKS
A. PRE-STRESSED, PRECAST CONCRETE
PILES
1. Non-conformance to the required
length, width, thickness and/or
diameter.


2. No-graduation marks
3. Non-conformance to specified splicing
requirements.
4. Presence of cracks
-Hold delivery and casting, conduct
inspection and make the necessary
adjustments.
-Do not allow driving of piles unless
otherwise graduation is clearly marks
on the piles for accuracy of pile
driving records and data.
-Call the attention of the Project
Engineer, direct rigger to have the
splicing on a staggered basis for
cluster piles.
-Removed and replaced.
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/
REMEDIAL MEASURES
B. CAST-IN-PLACE BORED PILES
1. Non-conformance to the required level
of excavation.

2. Improper disposal of spoils and debris.
3. Non-conformance to the required
spacing of tie, stiffener bar and
spacer.
4. Improper curing of concrete samples.
-Monitor and check elevation through
actual measurements.
-Require the Project Engineer to
immediately disposed/spread spoils
before it becomes an obstructions
and delay the project.

-Call the attention of the Project
Engineer and properly adjust spacing
to meet requirements.
-Require the Materials Engineer to
throughly check and supervised the
curing and handling of samples as this
was critical in the determination of the
actual strength of concrete.

NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/
REMEDIAL MEASURES
V. DAMPPROOFING/MOISTURE CONTROL WORKS.
1. Non-conformance to the required
thickness and number of layers of
polyethylene materials.
2. Non-conformance to the required
thickness and number/layer of
waterproofing materials.
-Require the contractor to make the
necessary adjustment on the
materials to conforms with
specifications.
NVPILAR 2011
PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
VI. CONCRETE WORKS
A. FORMWORKS
1. Formworks has loose knots, splits, cracks and
other defects.
2. Plywood forms not coated with mould oil.
3. Unaligned formworks/non-conformance to
require concrete cover.
4. Formworks are inadequately supported and
braced.
5. Premature stripping and shore removal.
6. No provision of clean-out/opening at the
bottom of column and wall formworks.
7. Insufficient concrete/steel spacer for slabs
and beams.
-Use only on minor works and not as support
to major structures.
-Removed and replaced if necessary.
-Instruct Project Engineer not to install unless
otherwise coated with mould oil.
-If allowed to install, use only once.
-Immediately call the attention of the Project
Engineer, dont allow pouring unless
correction had been made as this may affect
the entire structures.
-Instruct Project Engineer to make the
necessary installation of additional braces
and support, never allow pouring as this
was dangerous.
-Immediately call the attention of the Project
Engineer, reinstall shoring and Bracing as this
was dangerous to both the workers and
to the structures.
-Instruct Project Engineer to make the
necessary corrections.
PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
B. STEEL REINFORCEMENTS
1. Use of corroded and/or dirty rebars.
2. Rebars not securely tied in place.
3. Non-compliance with the required
spacing of the stirrups.
4. Unaligned rebar installation
5. No / improperly placed(irregular
spacing) steel dowel bars.
6. Improper splicing.
7. Non-conformance to the required
concrete cover for rebars.
-Conduct inspection, clean and apply rust
remover if necessary.
-Removed and replaced if necessary.
-Elevate stockpile of rebars above ground
and in rack according to sizes.
-Require the Project Engineer to make the
necessary correction and adjustment to
conform with the plans and specifications.
-Reject works if necessary.
NVPILAR 2011
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
C.CONCRETE
1. Concrete structure failed to meet the
strength requirements as per concrete
sample specimens.
2. Appearance of hairline cracks
3. Appearance of honeycomb or spalling
4. Sagging or bulging of concrete.
5. Non-conformance to finishing/ plastering
requirement.
6. Improper curing
-Conduct investigation and in-place testing to
determine actual strength.
-If structure failed to meet strength requirement
through in-place testing, refer to Structural
Engineer / Designer to assess extent of
corrective works.
-Chipped off concrete to determine extent of
cracks, then apply concrete epoxy.
-Chipped off concrete to removed honeycomb
portion, then apply concrete epoxy prior to
re-concreting.
-Provide additional shoring and bracing if
concreting is still on going.
-For minor sagging or bulging removed affected
portion and plaster.
-For major bulging, removed and replaced if
necessary.
-Require the Project Engineer to make the
necessary adjustments.
-Removed and replaced plastering works if
necessary.
-Call the attention of the Materials Engineer to
make the necessary adjustment to conform to
standard requirements.

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
VII. MASONRY WORKS
1. Non-conformance to the required
strength for both non-load bearing and
load bearing CHB.
2. Non-provision of lintel beam and
stiffener column.
3. Non-conformance to the vertical and
horizontal dowel.
-Non-load bearing, 500 psi and load
bearing at 800 psi.
-Removed and replaced all CHB that
does not conform to the standard
requirements.
-Conduct visual inspection and field
testing.
-Chipped off laid CHB and install
stiffener columns.
-Require the Project Engineer to make
the necessary adjustments.
-Reject / removed and replaced if
necessary.
-Require the Project Engineer to make
the necessary adjustments.
-Reject / removed and replaced if
necessary.
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
VIII. CARPENTRY AND JOINERY WORKS
1. Undersize lumber and plywood.
2. Non-conformance with the required
spacing for ceiling joist, nailers,
vertical studs and horizontal studs.
3. Non-conformance to the required
species of lumber.
-Require the Project Engineer to
removed and replaced all undersize
materials.
-Require the Project Engineer to make
the necessary adjustments.
-Require the Project Engineer to make
the necessary adjustments.
-Reject / removed and replaced if
necessary.
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
IX. FABRICATED MATERIALS AND HARDWARE
A. DOORS
1. Doors are not well fitted to the door
frames.
2. Door accessories and other hardwares
items were installed not according to
schedule.
B. WINDOWS
1. Windows are not well fitted to the
window frames.
2. Window accessories and other
hardwares item were installed not
according to schedule.
3. Installed doors and windows were not
in accordance with specifications.
-Require the Project to make the
necessary adjustments.
-Conduct frequent inspection and
verification to monitor fabrication
prior to installations.
-Reject / removed and replaced if
necessary.
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
X. ROOF FRAMING WORKS
A. STEEL FRAMING
1. Use of corroded structural elements.
2. Undersize structural steel elements.
3. Non-conformance to the required spacing of
purlins and trusses.
4. Insufficient welding at critical joint.
B. TIMBER TRUSSES
1. Use of low quality, untreated timber
materials.
2. Undersize timber materials.
3. Non-conformance to the required spacing of
purlins and trusses.

-Conduct visual inspection, verification and
monitoring of fabrication prior to installation
and erection of steel trusses to ensure
compliance to materials and specifications.
-Require the Project Engineer to make the
necessary adjustment on the materials and
workmanship.
-Reject / removed and replaced if necessary.
-Conduct visual inspection, verification and
monitoring of fabrication prior to installation
of wooden trusses including bolts, nuts and
nails to ensure compliance to materials and
specifications.
-Require the Project Engineer to make the
necessary adjustment on the materials and
workmanship of the structure.
-Reject/removed and replaced if necessary.
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
XI. ROOFING WORKS
1. Non-conformance to the required
gauge and length.
2. Non-conformance to the specified
overlapping( end lap, side lap ).
3. Non-conformance to the approved
method of fastening and joining.
4. Occurrence of leaks.
5. Non-conformance to the approved
material requirements such as
downspouts, gutter, flashing and ridge
roll.
-Removed and replaced.
-Conduct inspection and monitoring to
ensure compliance with the plans
and specifications.
-Require the Project Engineer to make
the necessary adjustment on the
workmanship.
-Conduct further leak test, provide
silicon sealant.
-Reject / removed and replaced if
necessary.
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
XII. FINISHES
ITEM 1018- CERAMIC TILES
1. Occurrence of cracks on the
materials.
2. Uneven laying of tiles.
ITEM 1019- WOOD TILES
1. Non-conformance to the design lay-
out.
2. Uneven laying of tiles.
ITEM 1021- CEMENT FLOOR FINISH
1. Uneven surface.
2. Presence of temperature cracks.
3. Weak mixture of fine and course
aggregate.
ITEM 1026- PEBBLE WASHOUT FINISH
1. Uneven surface
2. Pebbles are not uniformly distributed.
3. Presence of temperature cracks.
-Conduct inspection, verification and
monitoring of the materials and
methods of installation to ensure
compliance to specifications.
-Require/instruct the Project Engineer
to make the necessary adjustment to
the materials and workmanship.
-Reject / removed and replaced if
necessary.

-Defer payment of accomplishment
until contractor complied with
requirements.
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
XIII. PAINTING/VARNISHING
ITEM 1032- PAINTING/VARNISHING
1. Non-application of surface neutralizer.
2. Non-conformance to the number of
coat/application of paint.
3. Occurrence of feeling-off of paint.
4. Non-conformance to the approved
brand and specifications of paint.

-Conduct inspection, verification and
monitoring of painting materials to
ensure conformance to specifications.
-Require / instruct the Project Engr.
to make the necessary adjustment to
conform with the specifications.
-Reject / removed and replaced if
necessary.
-Defer payment of accomplishment
until contractor complied with the
requirements.
NVPILAR 2011
PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS CORRECTIVE ACTION/
REMEDIAL MEASURES
XIV. WATERPROOFING WORKS
1. Non-conformance to the specified
methods of application.
2. Non-conformance to the specified
number of coat/layer required.
3. failure in the leak test.
-Require / instruct the Project Engr. to
make the necessary adjustment to
conform with specifications.

-Defer payment of accomplishment
until the contractor complied with
the requirements.
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
XV. SANITARY WORKS
A. ITEM 1002- PLUMBING
1. Clogged pipes
2. Pipes, fixtures and other sanitary
accessories were installed not in
accordance with the plans, e.g. slope,
alignment.
3. Failure to pass the leak test.
-Conduct visual inspection,
verification and monitoring of the
installation of pipes to ensure
compliance to specifications.
-Require Project Engineer to make the
the necessary adjustment on sanitary
works.
-Require the contractor to rectify
defective works and conduct another
test until such time that it passes the
requirements.
-Reject / removed and replaced
defective works if necessary.
-Defer payment of accomplishment
until the contractor complied with
the requirements.
NVPILAR 2011
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
B. PIPES CULVERT AND STORM DRAIN
1. Appearance of cracks on the materials.
2. Inadequate collaring of reinforced concrete.
3. Inadequate bedding materials.
4. Non-conformance to the required tolerance
for elevation, slope and alignment.

C. MANHOLES, INLETS AND CATCH BASIN
1. Non-conformance to the required tolerances
for elevations and dimensions.
2. Covers and gratings are not well fitted with
the opening of manholes and catch basin.
-Reject / removed and replaced defective
materials.
-Conduct visual inspection, verification and
monitoring of the installation of pipes, culvert
and storm drain to ensure compliance to
specifications.
-Require the contractor to rectify defective
works.
-Require the Project Engineer to make the
necessary adjustments to conform with
specifications.
-Reject work / removed and replaced if
necessary.
-Require the contractor to rectify the defective
works.
-Conduct visual inspection, verification and
monitoring to ensure compliance to
specifications.
-Require the Project Engineer to make the
necessary adjustments to conform with
specifications.
-Defer payment of accomplishment until the
contractor complied with the requirements.

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
XVI. ELECTRICAL WORKS
1. Pipes not properly installed and laid as per
plan and schedule.
2. Pipes, hangers, boxes, cable trays not
properly installed and painted.
3. Sharp edges of pipes not removed.
4. Over crowded wires in pipes.
5. Inadequate and under gauge of pull boxes.
6. Non-provisions of black-out and sleeves.
7. Pipes not properly bended.
8. Lighting fixtures, panelboard, circuit
breakers, etc. not properly installed.
9. Failure to meager test and load test.
-Reject / removed and replaced defective
materials.
-Conduct visual inspections ,verifications and
and monitoring of the installations of
electrical pipes, fixtures and accessories to
ensure compliance to specifications.
-Require contractor to rectify defective works
and conduct another test until such time that
it passes the requirements.
-Require the Project Engineer to make the
necessary adjustments to conform with
specifications.
-Reject work / removed and replaced if
necessary.
-Defer payment of accomplishment until the
contractor complied with the requirements.

NVPILAR 2011
NVPILAR 2011

PROBLEMS/COMMON DEFECTS
CORRECTIVE ACTION/

REMEDIAL MEASURES
XVII. MECHANICAL WORKS
A. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
1. Airconditioning units, transfer fans,
pipes ducts, condenser installed not
according to plan.
2. Defective materials and accessories.
3. Pipes and ducts not sufficiently
braced.
4. Failed to meet performance test.
5. Leaks on pipes.
B. GENERATOR SET
1. Installation of auxiliary piping and
control not according to plan.
2. Defective and damaged materials.
3. Pipes not sufficiently braced.
C. ELEVATORS
1. Improper handling of elevator
component resulting to damage on
accessories.
-Reject / removed and replaced
defective materials.
-Require the contractor to rectify
defective works and conduct test until
such time that it passes the
requirements.
-Conduct visual inspection, verifications
and monitoring of all materials and
installation of mechanical works to
ensure compliance to the required
specifications.
-Reject works if necessary.
-Defer payment of accomplishment until
the contractor complied with the
requirements.
NVPILAR 2011