In the sprawling archipelago of Indonesia, bridges are more than just concrete and steel; they are lifelines connecting communities and facilitating the flow of goods and energy. Yet, a staggering 98.8% of the nation’s 18,990 national bridges are in less than good condition, a stark figure that underscores the urgent need for a revolution in bridge maintenance. Enter Naufal Laksono, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Indonesia’s Department of Civil Engineering, who has developed a groundbreaking approach to tackle this pressing issue.
Laksono’s research, published in the Journal of Rehabilitation in Civil Engineering (Jurnal Rehabilitasi Teknik Sipil), focuses on creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)-based Quality Management System (QMS) tailored specifically for concrete bridge maintenance. This innovative framework aims to enhance maintenance performance and ensure adherence to national standards, ultimately improving the safety, reliability, and sustainability of Indonesia’s bridge infrastructure.
The QMS framework developed by Laksono encompasses three main stages: inspection, maintenance, and rehabilitation. These stages are further broken down into 10 activities, each meticulously aligned with the specific requirements of bridge maintenance. The goal is to create a structured methodology that ensures consistent and high-quality outcomes.
To validate the effectiveness of his framework, Laksono conducted a quantitative study involving 33 experts in the field. The results were impressive, with average scores ranging from 4.0 to 5.0 across content, format, and performance effectiveness. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.768) between the QMS and key maintenance performance indicators such as structural safety and bridge importance. This correlation explains 54.9% and 59.9% of the variance, respectively, highlighting the potential impact of the QMS on improving maintenance performance.
Qualitative insights from the study emphasized the enhanced organization and durability of maintenance processes. The framework includes 10 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and checklists, providing a comprehensive toolkit for maintenance teams. “The integration of WBS into QMS for concrete bridge maintenance offers a structured approach that can significantly improve the quality and consistency of maintenance work,” Laksono explained. “This methodology not only ensures adherence to national standards but also enhances the overall safety and reliability of bridge infrastructure.”
The implications of Laksono’s research extend beyond Indonesia, offering valuable insights for the global construction and energy sectors. As energy infrastructure often relies on robust bridge networks for transportation and distribution, improving maintenance performance can have a direct impact on the reliability and efficiency of energy supply chains. By adopting a structured and effective quality management approach, energy companies can minimize downtime, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance the overall sustainability of their operations.
Laksono’s work represents a significant step forward in the field of bridge maintenance. By integrating WBS into QMS, he has provided a blueprint for achieving consistent and high-quality outcomes in concrete bridge maintenance. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the adoption of such innovative frameworks will be crucial in ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of critical infrastructure. The future of bridge maintenance looks promising, and Laksono’s research is paving the way for a new era of quality and performance in the construction industry.