MassDOT Research and Materials Section (RMS): Quality Assurance

Ensures quality in MassDOT construction projects.

Responsibilities

The Quality Assurance (QA) unit is charged with developing and maintaining programs for achieving quality of materials and workmanship in MassDOT construction projects.

 

Specifications

The QA unit utilizes research and data to develop and maintain MassDOT specifications to achieve quality in construction projects. This includes:

• Reviewing project test and inspection data
• Analyzing and interpreting trends
• Recommending specification changes to maintain or improve quality

Conformance

To achieve conformity and quality with all construction projects, the QA unit:

• Ensures MassDOT's continued conformance with Federal Highway Administration QA requirements.
• Aids district staff with interpreting specifications and ensuring that quality measures are upheld on construction projects.
• Ensures that materials incorporated into construction projects are in conformance with plans and specifications. This is achieved by reviewing inspection and test results, as well as product cut sheets and certificates of compliance.

Once completed, the unit issues a Materials Certification for all federally aided projects as required under federal regulations.

Quality Management

The QA unit administers the Laboratory Quality Management System for RMS and district laboratories. This includes the development and annual review of:

• Quality System Manuals
• Related testing and test equipment
• Training procedures and documentation

QA also evaluates each district laboratory's testing methods through the annual Proficiency Testing Program. And the unit is responsible for completing the annual qualification of asphalt plants, laboratories, and mix designs.