Construction quality problems prevention based on coupling relationship mining

Purpose This study introduces a novel approach to preventing construction quality problems by examining the complex interrelations among such issues. Recognizing the overlooked coupling between problems is essential, as it can exacerbate quality issues, triggering chain reactions that compromise project success. The research justifies its focus on these interrelations by highlighting the insufficiency of traditional quality management methods, which often fail to account for interconnected quality problems in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. Design/methodology/approach At the core of this research is the establishment of a knowledge base for construction quality issues, marking a pioneering effort to systematically organize unstructured textual data on construction quality problems and their interconnections. This base serves as a platform for the subsequent application of advanced analytical techniques. Specifically, the study leverages preprocessing, text similarity algorithms and association rule mining to dissect and illuminate the nuanced coupling relationships among construction quality issues, a facet not thoroughly explored in prior research. Findings The innovative analytical methodology employed here reveals significant insights into the dynamics of construction quality issue coupling. These insights not only deepen the understanding of these complex interactions but also guide the development of targeted intervention strategies. The practical applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach are demonstrated using selected textual materials as experimental evidence. The findings show that understanding and addressing these couplings can significantly mitigate potential chain reactions of defects, thus enhancing overall project quality. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its threefold contribution: the creation of a dedicated knowledge base for construction quality issues, the application of novel analytical methodologies to decipher coupling relationships and the extension of text analysis techniques to the realm of construction quality problem prevention. Together, these innovations open new avenues for research and practice in construction management, offering a robust framework for the systematic identification and mitigation of quality issues in construction projects.