Section 2: Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QC/QA)

General

FHWA requires that a Quality Assurance program, which includes Quality Control procedures be in place and followed.
The QC/QA process applies to all types of Bridge Division Design Section or District Bridge Design projects and consultant bridge design projects done for TxDOT.
The QC/QA process applies to all calculations and details checks
The QC/QA process applies to the development of design guidelines, design examples, spreadsheets, manuals, and specifications.
Include QC forms in every design note package. Fill the form in completely. Fill out title blocks on plan sheets completely and show the Designer and Checker initials.
At a minimum, meet the guidance provided in the TxDOT Quality Control and Quality Assurance Guide. Alternate processes that meet these minimum requirements are allowed.
In addition to the basic QC/QA process covered in the TxDOT Quality Control and Quality Assurance Guide, independent analysis/analyses may be required for complex or exotic structures or structural elements.

Consultant Prepared

For consultant-prepared plans, the consultants are required to submit their Quality Control Plan in writing prior to starting work or as otherwise directed in the contract. TxDOT reserves the right to review the consultants’ quality control process.

Independent Analysis

Independent analysis/analyses may be required for complex or exotic structures or structural elements and must meet the following requirements.
  • Completed by a license professional engineer in the State of Texas
  • Meet the requirements of this document.
  • Be conducted without the aid of the original design calculations.
  • Use structural engineering design/analysis software different from that was used for the original design, when available.
  • Determine that the original plans as designed by the Engineer of Record are in compliance with established design criteria.
  • Generate a separate set of design calculations that are documented in a report. The report shall document any changes or recommendations regarding the original plans.
The independent analysis report will then be compared to the original design by the Engineer of Record. This comparison must be documented, and any issues resolved.