01025747

Component

23 CFR 637 (CFR) has opened the door to contractor acceptance while requiring adequate checks and balances to ensure the quality of materials is not compromised. Specifically, the CFR contains regulations that must be followed and FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) has provided guidance on how owner verification testing (OVT) should be performed. This paper provides a general framework for establishing and implementing an OVT program for large design-build projects. It is based primarily on the authors’ successful experience on the State Highway 130 project in Central Texas but also includes lessons learned from other projects. There are two primary phases in setting up an OVT program. In the initial program setup, it is critical to understand and follow all applicable federal regulations, state practices, and contractual requirements applicable to the project. Business rules are needed to address the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of data used in the acceptance decision (i.e. the owner verification and contractor acceptance test results). Laboratory and personnel qualifications should be completed prior to starting work on the project. Split sample testing and higher initial OVT testing frequency will provide the owner with confidence in the contractor’s test results. Proactive management of the statistical validation process is critical in reducing the time spent resolving the lack of validation. An overarching key to success in the development and execution of an OVT program is the establishment of good communication and trust between the vested parties early in the project.

01020180

06-1795

English

17p

2006

Transportation Research Board 85th Annual Meeting

CD-ROM

Figures (2) ; References; Tables (1)

Compliance; Construction projects; Contract administration; Contractors; Contracts; Design build; Oversight; State laws

United States Code

Noncompliance; Owner verification testing; Quality (Materials)

Administration and Management; Construction; Highways; I50: Construction and Supervision of Construction

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2006 Paper #06-1795

PRP, TRIS, TRB

Mar 3 2006 10:47AM