Application of Documentation in Gaza Strip Construction Industry

Abstract

In Palestine, the construction industry is considered one of the main sectors that contribute strongly to the Palestinian economy. Documentation is a process of collecting documents from past and current works of corporation, then archiving and classification of information to become easy and useful for reuse in future. The aim of this study is to investigate the application of documentation in Gaza Strip construction industry and how to improve archiving and classification of documents and how documentation can be useful used in contractor and consultant corporations. This research has been conducted through literature reviews followed by a field survey. 124 questionnaires were distributed to contractors and engineering offices. 95 useful questionnaires were received from respondents with 77% response rate. The findings indicated that the construction companies in Gaza Strip are applying documentation. The study found out that the unstructured graphic files (design drawing, shop drawing and as built drawing) and unstructured text data files (Bill of quantity, contracts with owner, inspection forms, material and soil testing reports, subcontractor and supplier agreements, meeting minutes and letters received and sent) were the most important documents collected by companies. Unstructured multimedia files (video files and sound records) and safety, environment reports were the less important documents collected. The study found that companies classified and updating the documents as printed and written files and computer files, but companies lack computer programs and web models for easy archiving and discovery of documents. Also, the study found that procurement and construction phases were the most exploit of benefits from archived documents. Concept and feasibility studies (pre-planning) phase was less phase exploited of archived documents. Finally, the study found that most users of documentation are company owner, project manager and office engineer and limited number of site engineer. The study recommended that companies have to increase cost and effort consumed in documentation process, improve the owner and staff abilities in computer and web applications, assign key person for collection and archiving company documents, establishing internet website for companies includes storage area of documents and allowing exchanging information.