Innovative Approaches to QA/QC in Construction: Current State

The construction industry has long faced inefficiencies in Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC), often relying on manual inspections. As construction demands increase and projects become more technologically advanced, there is an urgent need for innovative QA/QC methods that enhance precision and efficiency. While attempts have been made to integrate technology into QA/QC practices, gaps remain in comprehending precision and efficiency, documenting and synthesizing these advancements. This paper addresses this gap by conducting a critical review of emerging digital technologies in QA/QC and identifying future research directions with construction 6.0 speculations for 2050. A structured critical review methodology was adopted, following PRISMA guidelines to systematically collect, screen, and analyze literature from databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. A total of 29 key studies were reviewed to highlight technological advancements, applications, and future opportunities. The results indicate that technologies like Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) improve inspection accuracy and reduce labor and time costs, while AI-driven, non-destructive testing (NDT) enhances defect detection. However, challenges like data processing complexities and integration barriers persist. The practical implications suggest that increased adoption of these technologies could make QA/QC practices more proactive, data-driven, and efficient. The construction industry can leverage these insights to optimize quality management. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research, such as advanced technology integration, automation and intelligent systems, human-centric approaches. Construction 6.0 speculations includes, fully autonomous inspections, smart sensor networks and ultra-secure data integrity. These advancements are crucial for widespread adoption of innovative QA/QC solutions in construction.