The District Materials Office will qualify the other laboratories and maintain records of the qualification for three years. The District Staff will check the following prior to qualifying a laboratory:
1. Establish the type of laboratory (Aggregate, Hot Mix Asphalt, Soils Field, PC Concrete).
2. Check for current manuals and test procedures covering the qualified testing.
3. Check the certification of the testing personnel.
4. Document that proper equipment is available to perform qualified testing.
5. Check documentation system.
Scheduling of the qualification review will be discussed with the laboratories seeking qualification. The District staff performing the qualification review should have the appropriate certification (IM 213) for the type of laboratory and tests being reviewed. The District Materials Engineer should be contacted for laboratories that have been qualified in other states. The District Materials Office may qualify a laboratory based on an acceptable qualification report and qualification program from another state transportation agency.
Table 1 and the pages following cover the list of items to be reviewed.
An oral close out on any deficiencies will be held with the testing personnel. Written notice will be sent within two weeks of the inspection. District personnel will re-inspect after correction of any deficiencies.
A form showing the laboratory type, the date qualified, and the expiration date will be issued by the District Materials Engineer.
A laboratory that does not meet the requirements of the IM is subject to elimination from the qualification program.
The office responsible for the qualification will resolve disputes concerning calibration and correlation of equipment. For disputes that cannot be resolved at the District level, the Central Materials Laboratory will be the final authority.
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Calib./Verif. Interval |
Calib./Verif. Procedure |
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Tester Qualifications-Proper Iowa DOT certifications |
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Current Test Procedures |
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Current Calibration Procedures & Records |
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Documentation of correlation results and corrective actions taken for previous construction season. |
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Soils Field Laboratory |
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Balances |
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12 months |
(b) |
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Sieves- wear, tear, size |
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12 months |
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Mold, Base, and rammer condition |
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(a) |
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Aggregate Laboratory |
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Balances |
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12 months |
(b) |
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Sieves- wear, tear, size, and opening size |
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12 months |
Iowa 1506 |
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Splitter- condition |
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12 months |
(Visual) |
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Mechanical Shakers- condition (if used) |
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12 months |
Iowa 1502 |
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HMA Laboratory |
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Balances- and water bath |
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12 months |
(b) |
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Sieves- wear, tear, size, and opening size |
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12 months |
Iowa 1506 |
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Splitter- condition |
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12 months |
(Visual) |
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Mechanical Shakers- condition (if used) |
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12 months |
Iowa 1502 |
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Rice equipment- vacuum and flask |
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12 months |
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Thermometers |
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12 months |
Iowa 1607 |
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Ovens- temperatures |
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12 months |
Iowa 1501 |
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Gyratory Compactor and molds |
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12 months |
Iowa 1522 |
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PCC Laboratory |
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Balances |
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12 months |
(b) |
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Sieves- wear, tear, size, and opening size |
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12 months |
Iowa 1506 |
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Splitter- condition |
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12 months |
(Visual) |
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Mechanical Shakers- condition (if used) |
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12 months |
Iowa 1502 |
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Air Meter |
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12 months |
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Slump Cone and equipment-condition |
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12 months |
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Flexural Strength Apparatus |
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12 months |
Central Lab |
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(a) The mold, base or rammer should be checked if the condition warrants. (b) For checking the calibration either use the scale calibration firm’s procedure or Iowa 917. |
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LABORATORY ITEMS
PCC Portable Paving Plant
The following list contains, as a minimum, what is required for a qualified PCC paving plant laboratory. The test equipment to perform each of the required tests is contained in the respective IM.
· Field Lab of suitable size for workspace, space to perform tests, and sample storage. Locate the Field Lab so it is convenient to the plant, but outside the influence of plant vibration.
Air-conditioned
Personal computer
Phone
All in one printer
Sample storage
Work table
Electrical outlets
Running water available to perform necessary testing
Desk and chair
Incidental spoon, pans, pails
· The personal computer shall be capable of running Iowa DOT programs. It is recommended to have at least Windows 2000 or newer software on the computer. Iowa DOT programs have been checked and are capable of running on Windows 2000 and newer software.
HMA Plant
The following list contains, as a minimum, what is required for a qualified asphalt laboratory. The test equipment to perform each of the required tests is contained in the respective IM.
· Field Lab and Office [Suggested size 8 ft. x 44 ft. (2.4 m x 13.41 m)]. Locate the Field Lab so it is convenient to the plant, but outside the influence of plant vibration.
Air-conditioned
Personal computer
Phone
Fax machine
Copy Machine
Sample storage
Work table
Bulletin board
Water available to perform necessary testing
Desk and chair
Incidental spoon, trowels, pans, pails
· The personal computer shall be capable of running Iowa DOT programs. It is recommended to have at least Windows 2000 or newer software on the computer. Iowa DOT programs have been checked and are capable of running on Windows 2000 and newer software.
Removable storage device
Color monitor, VGA or better
Printer
· Diamond saw for cutting core lifts.
· Diamond core drill (minimum 4” diameter core).