LABORATORY QUALIFICATION PROGRAM

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.

NON-COMPLIANCE/DISPUTE RESOLUTION

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.

Table 1 - Laboratory Qualification Checklist

	√	Calib./Verif. Interval	Calib./Verif. Procedure
Tester Qualifications-Proper Iowa DOT certifications
Current Test Procedures
Current Calibration Procedures & Records
Documentation of correlation results and corrective actions taken for previous construction season.

Soils Field Laboratory
Balances		12 months	(b)
Sieves- wear, tear, size		12 months
Mold, Base, and rammer condition		(a)	IM 309

Aggregate Laboratory
Balances		12 months	(b)
Sieves- wear, tear, size, and opening size		12 months	Iowa 1506
Splitter- condition		12 months	(Visual)
Mechanical Shakers- condition (if used)		12 months	Iowa 1502

HMA Laboratory
Balances- and water bath		12 months	(b)
Sieves- wear, tear, size, and opening size		12 months	Iowa 1506
Splitter- condition		12 months	(Visual)
Mechanical Shakers- condition (if used)		12 months	Iowa 1502
Rice equipment- vacuum and flask		12 months	IM 350
Thermometers		12 months	Iowa 1607
Ovens- temperatures		12 months	Iowa 1501
Gyratory Compactor and molds		12 months	Iowa 1522

PCC Laboratory
Balances		12 months	(b)
Sieves- wear, tear, size, and opening size		12 months	Iowa 1506
Splitter- condition		12 months	(Visual)
Mechanical Shakers- condition (if used)		12 months	Iowa 1502
Air Meter		12 months	IM 318
Slump Cone and equipment-condition		12 months
Flexural Strength Apparatus		12 months	Central Lab
(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.

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

Removable storage device