Testing Standards (ASTM/AASHTO/DPWH)

Testing Standards (ASTM/AASHTO/DPWH)

Testing is the process of determining the quality and characteristics of materials to ensure they meet the requirements of the project specifications.

Standard Organizations

• AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Sets standards for highway design and construction in the US.
• DPWH: Department of Public Works and Highways. Sets standards for public infrastructure projects in the Philippines (Blue Book).

DPWH Standard Specifications (Blue Book)

The "Blue Book" (Item 100 onwards) contains the standard specifications for Highways, Bridges, and Airports.

• Item 100: Clearing and Grubbing.
• Item 200: Aggregate Subbase Course.
• Item 300: Aggregate Surface Course.
• Item 310: Bituminous Concrete Surface Course.
• Item 311: Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP).
• Item 400: Piling.
• Item 405: Structural Concrete.
• Item 500: Pipe Culverts and Storm Drains.

Laboratory Safety

• PPE: Safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, ear protection, dust masks.
• Hazards: Chemical (acids, solvents), Physical (heavy lifting, sharp edges, rotating equipment), Electrical.
• Emergency Procedures: Eye wash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, first aid kits.

Equipment Calibration

Regular calibration of testing equipment (compression machines, balances, ovens) is essential for accurate results. Calibration must be traceable to national standards (NIST or equivalent).

Quality Assurance (QA) vs. Quality Control (QC)

• QC: Operational techniques and activities used to fulfill requirements for quality (e.g., contractor's testing).
• QA: All planned and systematic actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that a product or service will satisfy given requirements for quality (e.g., owner's verification).