27 CAR § 92-610. Materials testing

(a)(1) The transition from the more traditional DB-B prescriptive specifications and plans to D-B performance specifications requires a change in methods of measurement of quality. (2) The Arkansas Department of Transportation should establish the requirements the design-builder must meet when developing the project quality management plan (QMP), which defines the quality control and quality assurance procedures for the products incorporated in or constructed with the project. (3) Owner verification monitoring and testing functions are maintained under the control of the department to comply with Federal Highway Administration policies. (4) Department tasks should include: (A) Owner verification, testing, and inspection (OVTI); (B) Independent assurance (IA); and (C) Off-site fabrication inspection. (5) The design-builder would be responsible for: (A) Materials testing; (B) Review of working drawings; and (C) Full-time construction inspection. (b) The working drawing review, which is a check on the fabrication drawings as compared to the design drawings, will be conducted by the D-B designer of the facility and the designer must remain responsible for the fabrication and proper installation of the detailed components. (c)(1) The department materials laboratory may function as under a DB-B construction contract whereby all department required quality assurance samples and tests would be collected and tested according to current department guidelines. (2) Fabrication inspections should require department involvement in ensuring the required certifications of the fabricators. (3) However, QC inspection of the fabrication should be part of the QMP and be the responsibility of the design-builder.