The integrity and longevity of a structure are affected by the design and quality of the construction methods and materials. The design of the structure includes determining the requirements for appropriate materials, dimensions, etc. To provide verification, E.M. Tech provides Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), and Special Inspections (SI) services.
The quality of a structure cannot be assessed by the cost and delivery records. A more accurate and complete means of verifying that the quality of the materials and workmanship meets or exceeds the project specifications is to have testing and construction inspections performed by competent and qualified personnel. E.M. Tech has a staff of experienced, qualified, and certified technicians, inspectors, engineers, and a fully equipped and accredited laboratory.
QA, QC, and SI have similarities, but are distinct. A definition for each is shown below:
- QA includes the determination of adequate technical requirements, certification of suppliers, testing of procured materials for their conformance to established quality, performance, safety, and reliability standards, proper receipt, storage, and use of materials, monitoring the process quality, evaluation of the process to determine any required corrective response, and assessment of the results for conformance to technical, reliability, maintainability, and performance requirements.
- QC is a process that consists of activities employed in the detection and measurement of the characteristics of construction materials and methods. This process can include providing recommendations for corrective actions.
- SI is performed for critical structures or elements by individuals having specific expertise and qualification to verify compliance with approved construction documents and referenced standards. These inspections generally pertain to materials, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components, and connections.
E.M. Tech provides QA, QC, and SI and materials testing throughout Virginia, Maryland and the greater Washington, DC Metropolitan area.
Prior to the construction phase, E.M. Tech’s services may include:
- reviewing project specifications for accuracy, correctness of terminology, required materials, and proper testing methods and intervals
- reviewing the QC plan and verifying recommended construction QC processes
During the construction phase, E.M. Tech’s services may include:
- providing Special Inspections
- performing QA/QC inspections and testing of construction materials (soils, aggregate, rock, soil cement, lime stabilized soils, concrete, precast concrete, masonry, mortar, grout, Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM), structural steel, EIFS, asphalt concrete, fireproofing)
- verifying the preparations and installation of shallow foundations, deep foundations (steel “H” piles, auger cast piles, helical piers, caissons), deep excavation supports (caissons, steel piles, soil nails, tiebacks), slabs (on-grade, structural), falsework and formwork, retaining walls and CMU walls, and the installation and connections of structural steel members
- evaluating conditions prior to construction (condition survey) and during construction, and providing remedial recommendations; also providing consulting services when requested
- verifying preparations and the placement of construction materials and providing the required inspections and field and laboratory testing (soils, cement and/or lime stabilized subgrade, crushed aggregate subbase, cement treated aggregate (CTA) base, Portland cement concrete, and bituminous concrete)
- where necessary, providing alternative recommendations, such as for stabilizing expansive soils (Fat Clay, Marine Clay) using lime or cement
- inspecting and verifying erosion & sedimentation control measures, pavement markings, guard rail installation, and maintenance of traffic
- inspecting and verifying excavation support systems and slope stabilization
- verifying construction QC processes and procedures
- checking the accuracy of QC records
- informing/providing a summary of the status of active work, of non-conforming items, and of verified corrective measures to the appropriate parties
Our engineering inspectors and technicians are trained and certified in proper testing methods and inspection techniques, and all services are provided in accordance with the requirements of the local jurisdictional entities.
From infiltration trenches to relatively large SWM detention structures, from residential street pavement to airport runway pavements, from residential wood-frame dwellings to high rise buildings that utilize new and specialized materials, from earthwork construction involving local soils to lime-stabilized Marine CLAY, from cast-in-place concrete to all types of retaining walls, and from structural masonry to structural steel, E.M. Tech has the QA, QC, and SI experience needed to provide verification of the quality of the materials and workmanship.
Examples of projects where we have provided these services include: Project List.
