In the bustling heart of Jakarta, where traffic congestion is a daily battle, the Serpong-Balaraja toll road’s BSD underpass project is more than just a construction site; it’s a crucible for innovation. Rian Darmawan, a researcher from the Master of Civil Engineering Department at Mercu Buana University, is leading a charge to revolutionize the quality of underpass construction, with potential ripple effects across the energy sector and beyond.
The underpass, a critical infrastructure component, is built using a box culvert system. This system, while efficient, has been plagued by quality issues, leading to subpar results that fail to meet required standards. Darmawan’s research, published in the Journal of the Pencil (Jurnal Pensil), aims to identify the most influential factors affecting the quality of underpass construction and implement Lean Six Sigma methodology to enhance it.
Darmawan’s approach is multifaceted. He employs the Relative Importance Index (RII) method to pinpoint the most critical factors affecting underpass quality. “The most influential factor,” Darmawan explains, “is ensuring that every incoming material meets the desired quality standards in the quality control variable.” This revelation underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in construction projects.
The research doesn’t stop at identification; it delves into implementation. By applying Lean Six Sigma, Darmawan and his team achieved a Defects Per Million Opportunities (DPMO) value of 6058 per one million, equivalent to 4.133 sigma with a yield of 99.39%. This is a significant improvement, but Darmawan knows there’s still room for enhancement. The team is now evaluating the process through the DMAIC method (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to further reduce defects and elevate quality.
The implications of this research extend far beyond the Serpong-Balaraja toll road. In the energy sector, where infrastructure quality is paramount, this approach could lead to more durable and efficient energy transmission and distribution systems. Imagine pipelines and power lines that are not only robust but also built with minimal defects, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing reliability.
Darmawan’s work is a testament to the power of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. As he puts it, “The key to quality improvement lies in understanding the root causes of defects and systematically addressing them.” This philosophy, coupled with the Lean Six Sigma methodology, could reshape the construction industry, making it more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.
As Darmawan continues to refine his approach, the construction industry watches with bated breath. The future of underpass construction—and potentially the energy sector—hangs in the balance. With each defect reduced and each quality standard met, Darmawan and his team inch closer to a future where infrastructure is not just a necessity but a beacon of engineering excellence.
