QAQC in Construction

Concrete specifications contain a maximum temperature for the freshly mixed concrete as delivered. Typical values are between 27° and 35° C (Max) as measured by ASTM C 1064-86 ( Standard Test Method for  Temperature of Freshly Mixed Hydraulic-Cement Concrete ) . ACI 305R section 3.2.1 states that “ Concrete can be produced in hot weather without maximum limits on placing temperature and will perform satisfactorily if proper precautions are observed in proportioning, production, delivery, placing, and curing. As part of these precautions, an effort should be made to keep the concrete temperature as low as practical. ” As per observations and tests, Concrete placed and cured at a moderate temperature (16° to 32° C) outperforms in strength and durability. If looking for superior concrete, control the temperature of fresh concrete. The other problem with warmer concrete is Cracking . These maximum specified temperatures are necessary to help control early cracking in concrete...

Garden Primer – Do a Mason Jar Soil Test Every year in the spring I do a mason jar soil test to see the soil structure in my garden. It helps me decide if I need to make any amendments to the soil. This is a simple and easy test to take if you are creating a new garden area, you’ve recently moved, or you want to do a cool experiment with your kids. Knowing the structure of your soil will help you determine how much water and fertilizer your plants will need, and what soil amendments to make.  Your soil is a mass of mineral particles, water, air, and dead organic matter. The size and form of those particles make up the basic soil structure. An understanding of your soil is perhaps the most important aspect of gardening and will give you the best success. There are three soil components – Clay, Sand, and Silt Clay  is the smallest mineral component. These tiny flat particles fit closely together to create the greatest surface area o...

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must manage the risks associated with confined space, such as a silo, at a workplace including confined space entry permits, signage, communication, emergency procedures and written risk assessments. Designers, importers, suppliers and manufacturers have a standard duty to eliminate or minimise entry into a confined space, so far as is reasonably practicable, in relation to the plant or structure. General safety The atmosphere in silos can be dangerous Silos should be located clear of houses, overhead power lines, animals, children and water holes The dust in a silo may be explosive particularly if the humidity is low –  do not smoke  or have any other ignition sources High temperatures in silos can result in heat stress for anyone entering them. If possible,  do the job from outside Wear appropriate respiratory equipment particularly when fumigating Safe entry Do not enter a silo unless you have to If...

Inspection and Test Plans With an inspection and test plan, you plan inspections and tests to catch defects or nonconformances before they become part of your final construction product. For example, if your company fabricates steel components, your ITP may include inspecting incoming materials and performing x-ray weld inspections to make sure that weld penetrations meet your specifications.  The inspection and test plan is basic and essential. In construction, every purchased material and phase of work should be inspected for compliance to specifications.   But, what can you do to improve the chances that you’ll find fewer problems? That’s where the broader scope of your quality control plan comes in. Construction Quality Control Plans A construction quality control plan (a.k.a QA/QC plan or QC plan) includes an inspection and test plan, but goes beyond inspecting. With a quality control plan, you’ll control the quality of labor, equipment, and suppliers. You’ll ...