Sampling and testing of materials may be divided into the following categories:

The following identifies actions and responsibility for the different types of tests:

The contract may specify test methods and equipment that are outside the Department. Ensure that all the testing equipment is in good working order in accordance with the appropriate testing procedure. In addition, ensure that a qualified laboratory technician makes an independent check or calibration on each piece of testing equipment used on project testing at least once each year or as required by section 6 and 7 of the . Examples of equipment needing calibration include, but are not limited to: concrete cylinder compression machine, air meters, nuclear gauges, voltmeters, and scales. Display the date of the last check or calibration on each piece of testing equipment. Maintain calibration documentation in accordance with the QAP.

Use acceptance testing to verify that the material conforms to the contract requirements.

Any acceptance of failing materials must be documented under exceptions under the Material Certification Letter provided at the end of the project.

The

Independent Assurance Program

(IAP) goals (found in the QAP) are to ensure the accuracy of the equipment, procedures, and techniques used by testing personnel. The Department employs the system approach to accomplish these goals.

The system approach bases frequency of IA activities on time-regardless of tests, quantities of materials, or numbers of projects tested by the individual being evaluated. Use the system approach and implement testing schedule for testers, laboratories, and testing equipment qualified in accordance with the QAP. Ensure that IA sampling and testing is conducted by split or proficiency samples and complies with the QAP.

Refer to the found on the Materials and Tests Division internet page. This document provides project requirements per Item number, to be used in conjunction with the and the . Ensure SiteManager is updated with all acceptance and Sampling and Testing (S&T) requirements.

Individual provide the requirements and procedures for prequalification of various materials approved for use on Department projects. Prequalified materials are published on the appropriate .

The DBB Guide Schedule tables apply to all design-bid-build contracts. The minimum acceptable project test frequency is shown in these tables as a guide. Perform additional testing as necessary.

Unless otherwise specified in the contract, testing is conducted by the Department or independent laboratories employed by the Department. When specified by the contract, Contractor-performed QC sampling and testing may be used as part of the acceptance decision when verified by the department. In all other cases, Contractor testing is for information only and is conducted at the Contractor’s expense.

may be used to find how to conduct testing.

are used to find specifications materials need to meet as well as possible description of the materials.

Material Inspection Guide

is for procedures on how pay items may be inspected.

is a list of all paperwork and requirements per pay item.

are lists of pre-approved providers that may not require testing.

(internal access only) may be used to determine how much of quantity of an item is needed for proper testing.

For state and federal projects, use the Materials Certification Letter (MCL) to document reasons for material acceptance when a test fails. Do not include failing materials that have been reworked, retested, and meet the specifications in the list of exceptions in the documentation. Refer to the QAP for example certification letters.

If there are exceptions on a project, explain all exceptions on a Test Exception Letter (TEL) attached to the MCL. The TEL is used when materials test results or other characteristics of the work that indicate reasonable conformance with specification requirements, but did not meet the minimum specification requirements, may be adequate for their intended use. Documentation will include the location where the material is incorporated, the specification requirement, the recorded test value, and the engineering judgment applied to allow use of that material, method, or product.