Specification, fabrication and quality control

The importance of quality assurance in any industry is widely acknowledged. More stringent customer expectations with regard to quality, together with the realisation that continued improvements in quality are often necessary for a company to sustain good economic performance, mean that some level of quality assurance is mandatory for all those associated with adhesive bonding operations. The use of technical specifications and quality control procedures go some way towards fulfilling the requirements of a quality system, and these measures are outlined here. 

A number of general fabrication precepts applicable to civil engineering uses of adhesives have been collected in Table 5.1. 

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Inspection is of importance to ensure that fabricators are working according to design codes and quality control. Assembled items are of the right material and specifications for common items such as valves, piping, and welding electrodes must correspond to the standard prescribed specifications. It may be necessary to perform trial runs with the equipment supplied by manufacturers before full-scale operations. 

With the purchasing department to advise on the choice of materials, to work out appropriate specifications and quality control for materials, equipment, and fabrication procedures. 

This Chapter includes the requirements for inspections by owner, quality control examinations, nondestructive examinations, and specified tests by the construction organization (manufacturer, fabricator, or erector). Inspection, examination, and testing shall be in compliance with the general requirements of Chapters GR-4 and GR-6, as well as the applicable specific requirements in this Chapter and engineering design. 

Industrial uses of textile composites include conveyor belting, tires, and hoses. These are not considered here specifically, other than that several of the test methods may well be applicable where the textile element is of relevance. These are products in their own right and have been extensively reviewed elsewhere [4. 5]. It is the intention in this chapter to review the test methods available for coated fabrics, their practicability and their application in the areas of quality control, design, and specifications relevant to product end use. Some knowledge of processing is assumed, but clarification is given as necessary. 

The number and severity of fabrication and installation deficiencies are also directly related to quality control efforts during construction phases of a project. For example, a review of contractor submittals, or shop drawings, usually helps assure comphance with contract documents before equipment is delivered to the job site. Site inspections during installation work may detect deficiencies in design or workmanship before they lead to operational problems and performance difficulties. In addition, specific operating and performance testing as a prerequisite to final accepfance is a key element in assuring that a system is installed properly. 

Fabrication Was the barrier built and/or manufactured as designed Did it meet specifications Was quality control adequate Was testing adequate ... 

Quality control is essential at all stages of the design, fabrication and erection process to ensure that the finished structure is in accordance with the specification and should thus be able to fulfil the role for which it was designed. This chapter aims to outline the various control measures that will or may be required the actual choice of the level and degree of control will depend on the nature of the structure and its intended purpose. 

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