A Process-Mapped Quality Control Framework for Structural Steel Fabrication

This paper proposes a process-mapped quality control framework for structural steel fabrication as a proof of concept for integrating normative requirements into a unified operational workflow. The study addresses the fragmentation of quality requirements in steel fabrication, where individual standards are often applied through separate inspections rather than as part of a coherent process model. The framework links material control, production preparation, assembly, welding, and anticorrosion protection through clearly defined quality gates. The framework is constructed through a qualitative design-oriented approach using SIPOC analysis and a detailed flowchart. It translates normative requirements into a coherent workflow that provides a structured basis for traceability, preventive quality assurance, and future integration with Construction 4.0. The paper suggests that process mapping can serve as a useful method for organizing quality control in steel construction projects and for transforming standards into an operational framework.