Importance of Testing -ANSWER - If tests are not performed properly, there are many construction procedures and materials that cannot be confirmed as adequate. Visual observation alone is insufficient.
Types of Tests -ANSWER - The contractor performs quality control (QC) testing to determine whether construction procedures and materials are producing the desired contractual product.
Procedures -ANSWER - The contractor must outline proposed "testing procedures" as defined in Section 01 45 00.00 10 and/or Section 01 45 00.00 20 in the QC Plan. These proposed procedures must be discussed at the Coordination Meeting or the Mutual Understanding Meeting.
The contractor must provide a list of required control tests and specify whether the tests are to be performed by an independent, approved testing laboratory, or using their own personnel and facilities.
Regardless of which method of testing the contractor uses, they are required to assure that specified laboratory procedures are used and that laboratory facilities are certified.
QA tests -ANSWER - are unannounced sporadic tests that repeat QC tests. QA testing can be performed by: • Government personnel using the contractor's equipment and facilities, • An independent testing laboratory, or • A field office, district, or division government laboratory.
Before testing begins, the following questions should be answered and verified against the approved QC Plan -ANSWER - • Has all required testing been identified? • Are test reporting requirements understood? • Have laboratory facilities and testing equipment been verified as acceptable? • Are laboratory personnel qualified? • Has the calibration of equipment been verified as accurate? • Is there a procedure for documenting corrective steps?
After QC testing has begun, a thorough examination must be made of the test reports submitted to ascertain that: -ANSWER - • Reports are being submitted for all tests performed, • Reports are complete and accurate, and • Failing tests must be retested and cross referenced to the original failing test.