900 – TESTING AGENCY REPORTS AND INSPECTIONS

900.1 – General Requirements:

A. Consultant Recommendations for Scope of Work:

1. For most Projects, Colorado State University (CSU) engages professional agencies to provide investigation, testing, analysis and construction inspection services for the Project.

2. Consultants shall assist CSU in determining types, locations and quantities of testing necessary to satisfy data and analysis information required as a basis for complete and accurate design.

a. Such studies may include but not be limited to investigations of surface or subsurface conditions, environmental impact, traffic, building performance, concealed component imaging and hazardous materials as required to design the Project.

3. The advised Scope of Work such as surveys, tests and investigations shall be submitted to the Project Representative as soon as possible and no later than the preliminary Written Report.

900.2 – Testing Laboratory:

A. Qualifications:

1. The testing agency laboratory shall be licensed to operate as a commercial testing laboratory and shall have been inspected by the AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) or the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) within the last three years.

2. The Colorado registered Professional Engineer in charge of the laboratory shall be a full–time employee of the laboratory and have a minimum of five years of experience in construction materials testing.

3. Laboratory and field technicians qualified for performing the work as demonstrated through certification by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), American Concrete Institute (ACI), National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), Portland Cement Association (PCA), American Welding Society (AWS), American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) or a degree in a related engineering field with construction field experience.

4. All laboratory and field equipment to be used for the Project shall be calibrated and certified in conformance to national standards.

5. Records of inspections, documentation showing correction of deficiencies and AMRL or CCRL reference sample program test results shall be provided for review by the Project Representative.

B. Control of Measuring and Test Equipment:

1. The Testing Laboratory shall select measuring and test equipment in such a manner as to provide proper type, range, accuracy, calibration and tolerance for determining compliance with specified requirements.

2. Measuring and test devices shall be calibrated, adjusted, and maintained at prescribed intervals prior to use, based upon equipment stability and other conditions affecting measurement.

3. Provisions shall be made for the proper handling and storage of equipment.

4. Calibration shall be accomplished using certified standards that have a known traceable relationship to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

5. Every calibrated measuring and test device shall show the current status, date of last calibration, and the due date for the next calibration.

6. Calibration records shall be maintained as quality records and shall be made available for inspection upon request by the Project Representative.

C. Surveillance of Inspections:

1. When the laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or orders of any public agency having jurisdiction, require the University’s surveillance of inspections or tests, the Consultant shall notify the Project Representative of the place, date and time 48 hours prior to the inspection/test operation.

D. Retain Tested Materials and Data:

1. The Testing Agency shall be responsible for maintaining tested materials and testing data until Final Completion of the Project or Construction Agreement, or at such time as the Project Representative notifies the Testing Agency in writing.

2. Tests and tested materials shall be available during the Bidding period for review by proposers.

900.3 – Geotechnical Soils Testing Precautions:

A. Unless otherwise directed by the Project Representative, a Colorado Licensed Surveyor shall layout and locate all test pit locations for soils tests prior to sampling.

B. Protection of Property and Work in Progress:

1. The Geotechnical Testing Agency shall take all reasonable precautions for the safety of, and shall provide all reasonable protection to prevent damage, injury, or loss to:

a. Property at the Work site or adjacent thereto, including trees, shrubs, lawns, walks, pavements, roadways, structures, and utilities not designated for removal, relocation, or replacement in the course of construction; and

b. The Geotechnical Testing Agency shall give all notices and comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and lawful orders of any public authority bearing on the safety of property or its protection from damage, injury, or loss and further, shall cooperate and keep the Project Representative and other Project Teams informed of all of the Geotechnical Testing Agency’s precautions for the protection of the Work.

c. If any of the Geotechnical Testing Agency’s operations destroy or damage any real or personal property, public or private, the Geotechnical Testing Agency shall promptly repair or replace such property before the Project Representative shall accept the Work performed under the Agreement.

C. Protection of University, Municipal and Public Service Utility Systems:

1. Before any Work is started, the Geotechnical Testing Agency shall communicate with all governmental agencies and private entities having jurisdiction over Utility Systems which might be affected by the Work.

2. After Work has begun, the Geotechnical Testing Agency shall perform in a manner designed to reduce the potential for disrupting the operations of utilities to a minimum.

D. Protection of the Environment:

1. The Geotechnical Testing Agency shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local environmental protection rules, laws and regulations and accept responsibility for compliance with all environmental quality standards, limitations and permit requirements, including but not limited to the University’s noise control ordinance, federal and state air quality standards for fugitive dust control, prevention of surface and groundwater contamination and hazardous and other waste disposal practices and procedures.

E. Hazardous Materials:

1. The Geotechnical Testing Agency shall exercise the utmost care if the storage or use of hazardous materials required for the performance of the Work.

2. Activities related to the purchase, storage, use, removal, treatment, and disposal of such hazardous materials shall at all times be the sole responsibility of the Geotechnical Testing Agency and shall be supervised and carried out by personnel properly qualified to perform such activities.

a. Any activities requiring the purchase, storage, use, removal, treatment or disposal of hazardous materials shall not be started without first notifying the Project Representative in writing of the proposed activity and receiving the Project Representative’s written acceptance of that action.

b. The use and storage of explosives is not allowed.

F. Archeological and Historical Discoveries:

1. The Geotechnical Testing Agency shall inform the Project Representative of any evidence which might suggest to a lay person that archaeological, historical materials or human remains may be present in the Work area.

2. Upon making such a discovery, the Geotechnical Testing Agency shall do whatever is necessary to avoid disturbing that Work area.

a. This may require the Work be redirected or stopped until the Project Representative determines how to proceed.

900.4 – Geotechnical Report:

A. To establish the Scope of Work for the Geotechnical Report, the Geotechnical Engineer shall confer with the Project Representative and the Project Team to collect available information regarding the proposed construction, such as:

1. Building use

2. Number of levels

3. Loading

4. Allowable movement tolerances

5. Parking and pavement areas

6. Site grading

7. Retaining wall locations

8. Borrow and cut areas

B. Boring and Sampling:

1. The Geotechnical Engineer shall confer with the Project Representative and the Project Team regarding the number and location of borings and the frequency and type of tests necessary for the Project.

2. Minimum Geotechnical Boring:

a. One boring for every 2,500 to 5,000 square feet of building footprint

b. One boring per level of multi–elevation lower levels

c. One boring per 20,000 square feet of pavement or flatwork

d. One boring per 250’–0” of roadway

e. One boring at each bridge abutment

f. One boring every 100’–0” of retaining wall requiring geotechnical design parameters

g. Borings at unique features – pools, water features, large signs, monuments

h. One boring every five acres of developed space if potential exists for future structures

3. Minimum Geotechnical Boring Depth:

a. Paving Areas:

i. Shallow (5’–0” – 10’–0”)

b. Building Areas:

i. At least 25’–0” deep or minimum 10’–0” into bedrock, whichever is deeper, with at least one boring 50’–0” deep.

ii. Where Deep Foundation Systems shall be used, bedrock penetration shall be at least 20’–0” deep.

4. Frequency of Sampling:

a. Initial:

i. Every 5’–0” of depth

b. If soil conditions are consistent across the site, frequency may be reduced at the discretion of the Geotechnical Engineer.

C. Testing:

1. Typical Tests:

a. The Geotechnical Consultant shall provide a standard unit rate sheet with the costs associated for each test available and confer with the Project Representative and Project Team regarding the type and number of tests necessary.

b. Natural moisture content and in–place density:

i. Two tests per foundation boring, one test per pavement boring

c. Atterberg Limits Test:

i. Two tests per foundation boring

d. –#200 Sieve Analysis (all fine–grained soils):

i. Two tests per foundation boring

e. Swell Consolidation Testing, one ksf Surcharge:

i. One test per foundation boring

f. Swell Consolidation Testing, 200 psf Surcharge:

i. As needed for pavements

g. Sulfate Testing:

i. Minimum one per structure

h. Unconfined Compressive Strength Test:

i. One per structure

i. Sulfate/Resistivity/pH Tests:

i. Minimum two per Project

j. Soil Support Test, R–value or Resilient Modulus:

i. Minimum of one sample per Project on a representative subgrade sample

2. Additional Tests as Applicable:

a. Full Gradation Sieve Analysis:

i. When more than 50% retained on the #200 sieve

b. Sulfate/Resistivity/pH Tests:

i. For multiple cohesive soils in contact with concrete or steel

c. Swell Consolidation:

i. For multiple types of soil encountered

d. Unconfined Compressive Strength:

i. For multiple types of soil encountered

e. Suction Test:

i. For expansive soil conditions

f. Proctor Test

g. Direct Shear:

i. Retaining walls and slopes

h. Triaxial Strength:

i. For overburden soft soils supporting heavy structures

i. Rock Quality:

i. For cemented bedrock that can be cored (not effective for most stone in vicinity of CSU)

j. Permeability

D. The Geotechnical Report should address the following issues:

1. Site, soil and geologic conditions, including bedrock and groundwater

2. Potential geohazards, including faults, radon gas, underground mines

3. Foundation recommendations: bearing capacity of shallow foundations and/or end–bearing capacity and skin friction values for deep foundations. Movement potential of 1” or less.

4. Alternative foundation feasibility

5. Floor slab recommendations: post construction total movement of 1” or less with differential movement potential 1/2 the total value over a given length such as 30’–0”.

a. Verify with the Structural Engineer or Architect regarding acceptable movement tolerance.

6. Lateral earth pressure recommendations for below grade levels

7. Seismic site classifications

8. Excavation considerations

9. Project earthwork: site grading, backfill recommendations and soil stabilization

10. Soil corrosivity information

11. Underdrain recommendations and waterproofing concerns

12. Utility excavation recommendations

13. Temporary and permanent slope configurations

14. Exterior flatwork subgrade preparation

15. Pavement thickness and subgrade recommendations

16. Surface drainage recommendations

E. Contents:

1. Cover:

a. CSU Project name and number

b. Date

c. Geotechnical Consultant name, address, phone and email

2. Letter of transmittal and certification with original signature and seal of the Geotechnical Engineer

3. Table of contents

4. Project narrative

5. Purpose of investigation

6. Proposed construction

7. Site and field exploration

8. Laboratory tests

9. Site conditions

10. Subsurface conditions

11. Engineering analysis, conclusions and recommendations

12. Site plan and boring location diagram, including survey coordinates

13. Boring logs

14. Laboratory test results

15. Notes, definitions and terminology

900.5 – Construction Testing and Material Inspections:

A. All test and inspection records and documents shall be prepared, identified, and maintained by the Testing Agency and copies submitted to the Project Representative.

B. Records shall be protected from damage, deterioration, or loss.

C. Retention time for all quality records shall be not less than five years from date of final payment.

D. Test Results:

1. Test results shall be submitted to the Project Team and Project Representative after comple­tion of inspections/tests and prior to incorporation of the item(s) into the Work unless the test or inspection must be done after installation.

2. Field density and moisture tests shall be reported in draft form immediately at the test site with typed final test results given with 48 hours.

3. Test reports shall include worksheets showing any and all calculations used in obtaining the test results.

4. All test results must be reviewed and signed by a registered licensed Engineer in the State of Colorado.

5. The signature represents that the test procedures used are in strict conformance with the applicable testing standard, the calculated data are true and accurate, the tools and equipment used were in calibration, the sample was not contaminated and the persons running the test were qualified.

E. In addition, the testing laboratory shall prepare and submit to the Project Representative a Monthly Summary Report each month, which summarizes the activities and results for the quality control tests and inspections conducted during that period.

F.  The Monthly Summary Report shall consist of both graphics and text and at a minimum shall identify all test types, test locations, testers, test results, any calculations used, Specifications, whether the test passed or failed, and the material supplier, installer and Consultant.

G. Material performance trends shall include a statistical evaluation of each type of test, results of which shall be clearly stated in an overview for each Monthly Report.

H. The Monthly Report shall be submitted per Chapter 02 – Design Administration requirements.

I. Records:

1. Records or reports of inspection and test activities are quality records and shall be maintained, in a manner that provides integrity of item identification, acceptability, and traceability.

2. Reports shall identify the following:

a. Testing Agency and Engineer’s name

b. Agreement number and title

c. Testing laboratory name

d. Name of items inspected/tested including a physical description, model and make

e. Quantity of items

f.  Inspection/test procedure used and any deviation from national standards

g. Date the sample(s) was taken and the date the test was made

h. Where tests were performed including environmental condition where applicable

i. Name of inspector/tester

j. Observations/comments

k. Specified requirements in the Agreement that the item must meet

l. Acceptability

m. Deviations/nonconformance

n. Corrective action

o. Evaluation of results

p. Signature of authorized evaluator

q. Where the material was installed