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Quality assurance in construction activities is achieved through the implementation of Inspection and test plans (ITPs). ITPs are developed for each construction activity based on the technical specifications required for such activity.
Methods and frequency of inspections, testing and criteria of conformance How do you amend or revise (or procedures) the ITP to suit the changing conditions during the progress of the project? How to adhere to inspection check lists prepared for each construction activity?
10. Ensure that proper awareness of the ITP among the personnel directly involved on each ITP. This means, proper training and awareness and involvement of workers from the beginning of preparation of ITP are a must. 11. Confirm the procedures needed for reporting of Witness and Hold Points to the relevant responsible person.
Contents of ITP:
Preparation of ITP s should consider the following: The nature and complexity of the work or the construction activity ; Whether there is access for inspection and testing; What will be the resulting consequences in case of failure:- cost of remedial or rectification work involved, effect on the progress, accessibility and how easily rectification could be carried out, any disruption to adjacent buildings or structures, progressive damage to other elements of the construction, safety of workers or public and availability of adequate resources. The frequency of inspection and testing will have to be decided in accordance with the conditions of contract and the type of inspection and testing required for the activity. In essence, certain inspection and testing will be carried out using suitable frequency and sampling or statistical methods. This involves selection of appropriate representative sampling for large works. Sampling size and frequency could be increases or decreased based on the evidence on conformity during the progress of construction activities. Record keeping or documentary evidence is vital to conform that the quality of completed activity or the product meets the requirements of the contract. Hence, the records can be in the form of checklists, test reports, certificates of compliance or conformity, approvals and survey and statistical data. Reference to applicable specifications, codes of practices and standards. For example, reference should be made to: Contract document, construction drawings, design calculations, technical specifications or procedures, approved samples, regulatory requirements, and Australian & International standards, manufacturers specifications, and acceptance criteria.
The required inspection and test procedures for the activity. In order to have consistent and reliable test results, the procedures for inspection and testing and recording have to be clearly defined in the ITP. For example:- identification of test areas, the batch number, frequency of sampling, the method on which the samples to be taken, method of testing, the qualification of personnel involved in testing, proper calibration of equipment and measuring equipment, the documentation and recording have to be covered under ITP procedures. Whether the top management of the contractor has appointed key quality and testing representatives to carry out the inspection and testing as required by the contract. Whether adequate resources such as manpower, laboratories, field measuring and testing equipment are provided. Whether the ITPs are updated regularly in order to accommodate changes on clients or project requirements. In essence, the validity of the ITPs in relation to the current requirements. Whether the contractor has the procedures (or plan) in place to monitoring, measurement, and analysis required to conform that the work is carried according to required specification, workmanship and quality.
The details given above show that inspection and testing is a vital component on any construction contract that ensures quality end product.
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