TRANSPORTATION

Q1: I am responsible for the IA of technicians in the laboratory and field. I have found myself in the position where I am conducting an IA on a test method the technician does not perform. For example: A technician holds an "Aggregate Field Testing" Qualification to perform Liquid Limit/ Plastic Index testing in a laboratory. Even though stockpile sampling is part of this qualification, it does not seem right to require this technician to perform IA for this test method.

A1: In an excerpt from the IA Meeting on 08 August 2001, "Active technician: is defined as a technician actively performing a test method. The scope of the term "Active" is limited to a test method and not generalized for a Qualification."

Q2: Who performs IA evaluations on the IA technicians?

A2: The only procedural requirements are:

1. IA personnel should be District Materials office personnel, employees or consultants (article 5.5.4), and
2. IA personnel must be qualified in the same qualification they are evaluating.

IA technicians are not required to be evaluated by IA unless they are performing testing for acceptance purposes. IA technicians will be evaluated by the SMO.

Q3: What is TIN and where would I find I find it?

A3: TIN is a Training Identification Number. This number is assigned to the technicians when they begin participation in the Construction Training and Qualification Program (CTQP), and is unique to each individual. To find out about your TIN, please contact the CTQP staff at the University of Florida. IA inspectors can get the information on technician TINs from the CTQP coordinators in their District Materials Offices.

Q4: Do I use both name and TIN fields on the Qualification Performance Report form?

A4: No, use only TIN for reporting purposes. Currently the SMO is in the process of changing the QPR form.

Q5: Where do I use the TIN?

A5: The TIN should be used at the following places.

• CQR Sample screen (6 card) for Sampling technician.
• CQR Test Result screen (7 card) for Testing technician.
• Qualification Performance Report, filled out by IA technicians, for the technician being evaluated and IA technician.

Q6: What do we do about items not covered under the IA Program?

A6: Activities done by the District Materials Offices that do not fall under the new definition of the IA, e.g. Density Logbook evaluation in Earthwork, job site inspections and quality control assistance for concrete and asphalt & other areas, other testing, problem resolution assistance to construction offices, etc., continue as before.

Q7: There is a very little change in Asphalt area for sampling, under new IA program.  Was it envisioned that way?  Ref: Material # 123G was changed from ‘IA’ to ‘A’ level with no change in frequency.

A7: Yes, the TRT determination was that Extraction and Volumetrics run by the District lab was to verify materials quality and not a true IA test.  Also, the project personnel did not have Gyratory compactors to perform Bulk Specific Gravity testing.  This is the reason we included this testing in the "Acceptance" level, at the same frequency.

Continue performing Volumetrics and Extraction testing at a frequency of 1/Lot for both, Marshall and Superpave asphalt. For Superpave, report results under Material Number 123G.

Q8: Per our letter, we have to initiate an NFTR for failures.  How about Disposition decisions?  Any pay penalties associate with that?

A8: Yes, NFTR will be needed. At present, we are drafting more details on this.  There may be a consideration for penalties.

Q9: Can we implement such penalty issues so suddenly to all the ongoing projects?

A9: No, our letter to FHWA should read that only IA program changes are planned to be implemented starting October 1, 2001. Other changes are planned for January 1, 2001.

Q10: If it is going to be required, will we add to the checklists, where applicable, concrete testing equipment calibration/verification frequency (per ASTM)?

A10: The TRTs are currently reviewing this item for inclusion on all of the checklists.

Q11: If equipment calibration is an integral part of the IA review, then why is there not a box to verify that construction’s toys are or are not (P or F) calibrated by the frequency and procedure outlined in the test method?  It would be a good cue to the IA engineer and the construction personnel to know what to do and what is expected, respectively.

A11: The TRTs are currently reviewing this item for inclusion on all of the checklists.