APLICAÇÃO DE FERRAMENTAS DA QUALIDADE EM METODOLOGIA FEL PARA PROJETOS RELATIVOS A BARRAGENS THE APPLICATION OF QUALITY TOOLS IN FEL METHODOLOGY FOR DAM-RELATED PROJECTS

Abstract

Abstract

Dams are structures intended to store materials and are significant to the national economy, subsidizing strategic industrial sectors and providing essential resources to society. These engineering projects require special attention at all phases of their lifecycle, from preliminary design to closure, as failures can be catastrophic. In addition to complying with Brazilian legislation and international standards, design approaches such as the Front-End Loading (FEL) methodology improve dam performance by prioritizing scope, deadlines, and costs. Quality management is especially important in the initial phases of these projects, when specific tools can be used to improve results. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the perception regarding the application of quality tools in the initial phases of dam projects, based on the FEL methodology, assessing their contribution to increasing efficiency and strengthening the safety of these structures. The study methodology was qualitative and descriptive. Data collection included documentary research and a questionnaire applied to a group of 40 employees of a large multinational company located in the northeast region of Brazil. The results indicated that employees established a positive relationship between the use of quality tools and improvements in planning processes, risk mitigation, and increased efficiency in project management.

Keywords: dam’s management; safety; scope; deadlines; costs.