Sampling and laboratory testing of the materials a project is built from, run to the governing method so results stand up to review. Every sample is tracked from the point it is taken to the report it appears on.
Sampling of fresh concrete at the point of placement, with slump, air content, temperature and unit weight measured on site and cylinders cast for compressive strength. Cylinders are cured and broken at the ages specified in the contract documents, typically 7 and 28 days.
Laboratory characterisation of site soils and import fill: gradation, plasticity, moisture-density relationship, shear strength and expansion potential. The maximum dry density established here is the reference every field compaction test is measured against.
Binder content and gradation by extraction, bulk and maximum specific gravity, and stability testing on plant-produced mix. Cores taken from the finished mat are tested to confirm in-place density against the job mix formula.
Gradation, specific gravity and absorption, abrasion resistance, soundness, sand equivalent and cleanness value on base rock and concrete aggregate. Used to qualify a source before it is imported and to confirm consistency during delivery.
Compressive strength testing of masonry prisms, grout and mortar, plus sampling and absorption testing of the units themselves. Prism strength verifies the specified f′m used in the structural design.
Tensile, yield, elongation and bend testing of reinforcing bar and structural steel coupons, along with mechanical testing of welded specimens and welder qualification coupons. Used to confirm mill certification and to qualify procedures and personnel.
Thickness, density, bond strength and cohesion testing of applied fire-resistive materials sampled from the installed work. Results are compared against the values in the listed assembly the design relies on.
In-place density and moisture measurement of soil, aggregate base and asphalt using a nuclear moisture-density gauge, performed under the operator and possession licensing that use of the gauge requires. It is the fastest way to release a lift for the next stage of work.
The current drawing set, including structural and the relevant specification sections.
The statement of special inspections, or the schedule the building department has approved.
The site address and the jurisdiction reviewing the work, since requirements vary between them.
Approximate start date and duration, so inspectors can be committed against your programme.