Principal Component Analysis of Management Strategies for Minimizing Stone Masonry Construction Defects in Rural Nepal

Abstract

Construction defects in stone masonry buildings pose significant challenges to structural safety, durability, and economic sustainability in Nepal's high-altitude regions. This study employs Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to evaluate current and recommended management strategies for minimising defects in stone masonry residential construction, using Jumla District as a case study. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to 35 construction stakeholders representing owners, workers, contractors, and technical professionals, drawn from an accessible population of approximately 50 active stakeholders in ongoing and recently completed projects. The questionnaire assessed 10 current management strategies and 9 recommended strategies using a 5-point Likert scale. PCA with Varimax rotation identified four components underlying current management practices: Quality Control & Supervision (23.9% of rotated variance), Planning & Design (20.3%), Supplier and Material Management (16.6%), and Workflow and Process Management (11.0%), collectively explaining 71.8% of total variance. For recommended strategies, three components emerged: Design & Planning (37.2%), Construction Methods & Supervision (18.3%), and Verification & Quality Assurance (14.9%), explaining 70.4% of total variance. The findings reveal a shift in emphasis from reactive quality control in current practices towards proactive design and planning in recommended strategies. The study provides an exploratory framework for improving construction quality management in resource-constrained, high-altitude contexts. Recommendations include strengthening on-site supervision, enhancing material management systems, prioritising design and planning, and investing in workforce training.