Emulsion Task Force Meeting Quality Assurance Essentials Emulsion Task Force Meeting By: Colin A. Franco, P.E. Associate Chief Engineer RIDOT BOSTON Nov 29-30, 2017

Quality Assurance - Definition AASHTO R10 & TRB Circular E-C173 Quality Assurance – All those planned and systematic actions necessary to provide confidence that a product or facility will perform satisfactorily in service …

Applicability of 23 CFR 637 Applies to projects on the NHS State administered and locally administered Including Design-Build - 23CFR637.207(b) “All provisions of 637.207(a) are applicable to Design-Build projects and other alternative contracting methods.” Non-NHS projects Many States apply same QA procedures as NHS

Core Elements of a Quality Assurance Program QA Program Agency Acceptance Dispute Resolution Independent Assurance Contractor QC Lab Qualification Personnel Qualification

Core Elements of a QA Program Quality Assurance Quality Control Agency Acceptance Introduction and Key Points We know QC is important, but what exactly is it? Instruction Review the definition of Quality Control: “The system used by a contractor to monitor, assess, and adjust processes to ensure that the final product meets the specified level of quality.” Engagement Before displaying the next slide, ask participants to state what activities might be included in a contractor‘s QC system in order to ensure quality. Write answers on a flipchart. Then compare those items to the activities shown in the definition. (Examples may include but are not limited to: control charts; preventative equipment maintenance; equipment calibration; proper materials handling and storage; employee training.) Note how the system ensures quality during production or placement (monitoring, assessing, adjusting) and not only at the end of a project or work item. Independent Assurance Dispute Resolution Laboratories Personnel 5

Agency Acceptance All acceptance activities must be carried out by the Agency or their “Designated Agent” Agency independently performs: Random (Verification) Testing ( Materials) Inspection ( Workmanship)

Acceptance Program Acceptance program. All factors that comprise the Agency determination of the quality of the product as specified in the contract requirements. These factors include: verification sampling, testing, inspection

Acceptance Function Acceptance is not focused on directing the methods used to achieve conformance The primary objectives of agency acceptance are: Measure the Quality of all materials produced and placed by the contractor Determine the corresponding payment the contractor should receive

Acceptance Function Quality measurement is achieved through three general acceptance activities: Monitoring the adequacy of contractor QC activity Performing acceptance inspection to identify visually deficient work Performing Acceptance sampling and testing for key quality characteristics Agency obtains information to confirm that all products meet the specified quality level

Independent Assurance - IA Independent Assurance - “Activities that are an unbiased and independent evaluation of all the sampling and testing procedures used in the Quality Assurance Program”

Scope of IA Activities Independent Assurance activities: Provide an assessment of personnel proficiency and equipment for both agency and contractor

Independent Assurance – IA (cont.) Performed by Agency or Designated Agent personnel who are not directly responsible for project Acceptance sampling and testing Provides periodic independent evaluation of QC and Acceptance personnel and their equipment Not used to make a determination of work quality or acceptability

Contractor Quality Control Quality Control - QC - “The system used by a Contractor party to monitor, assess and adjust their production or placement processes to ensure that the final product will meet the specified level of quality.” Definition

Contractor Responsibility for Quality Control QC is the responsibility of the Contractor The party producing or placing the product is in the best position to exercise Quality Control

Scope of Quality Control Activities Contractor’s QC system should address: Materials production processes Materials transportation and handling Field placement procedures Calibration and maintenance of equipment Activities (sampling, testing and inspection) to maintain each process in control Means to make timely adjustments and corrections

Contractor QC Operating Documents Quality Control Plan - A project specific document prepared by the contractor which identifies QC personnel and procedures that will be used to maintain production and placement processes in control and meet the agency specification requirements.

Requirements for Laboratory Accreditation Central Laboratories Consultant Labs used for Independent Assurance (IA) Consultant Labs used for Dispute Resolution

Qualified Laboratories “Laboratories that are capable as defined by appropriate programs established by each Agency.”

Laboratory Qualification Laboratory Qualification Program All other Labs performing sampling and testing that are utilized in the Agency’s acceptance decision

Qualified Personnel Definition Qualified Personnel - “Personnel who are capable as defined by appropriate programs established or recognized by each Agency.” Definition

Certified Personnel Definition Personnel who are recognized by a formal certifying body as qualified to perform specific procedures.

Requirement for Personnel Qualification / Certification A complete personnel qualification/certification program should include, at minimum: Formal training On-the-job training Specified re-qualification intervals Proficiency demonstration A written exam A process for disqualification or decertification

Materials Testing Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution - The procedure used to resolve discrepancies between the Agency’s Acceptance and Contractor’s QC testing results that could impact payment. Dispute Resolution system required when QC results used in Acceptance decision.

Responsibility for Dispute Resolution Can be performed within the DOT Use of accredited third party laboratory can be used.

Questions ?