NETC 13-3 Phase II: Development of Implementation Plan for Unified Quality Assurance (QA) Processes of Precast and Prestressed Concrete Elements [PCE/PSE] for New England

US Transportation Collection2019PDFTech ReportDave, Eshan V.Sias, Jo ECharabati, JiriasPerkins, AlanUniversity of New HampshireNew England Transportation ConsortiumUniversity of Vermont. Transportation Research CenterNew England Transportation ConsortiumNew EnglandUnited StatesCost sharingPrecast concretePrestressed concreteQuality assuranceRoad constructionNETCR118Final reportThe use of quality assurance (QA) systems in highway infrastructure is critical to ensure durable, safe, and economical transportation operations. These processes ensure that the desired level of quality is maintained throughout the manufacturing and construction processes. For regions such as New England, a significant cost savings can be realized if uniform QA processes are acceptable to all states, as this enables sharing of QA resources and streamlines producer and construction contractor operations. The objectives of this phase of the study were to understand existing transportation agency cost-sharing mechanisms, develop uniform QA inspection paperwork, and to select projects for pilot testing of shared QA resources. Through interviews with transportation agency financial personnel and a survey of agency technical personnel, current cost-sharing practices among agencies were understood, and a list of upcoming agency PSE/PCE projects has been identified. This phase obtained information that will aid in selection of project for pilot testing as well as in development of interagency agreements that will allow for sharing of QA inspection resources.143