Over the past two years, NRMCA engineers have been in contact with the American Institute of Architects to ensure that the MasterSpec is consistent with ACI 301-16 and 318-14 requirements related to concrete with reduced level of prescriptive requirements and has improved language relating to the quality of acceptance testing. What follows is a summary of revisions made in the MasterSpec December 2018 version that pertain to the quality of acceptance testing.
1. Testing agency shall provide the curing container for acceptance testing and verify compliance with ASTM C31.
2. Testing agency shall report test results to owner, architect, contractor and concrete manufacturer within 48 hours. Test reports shall include reporting requirements of ASTM C31/C31M, ASTM C39 and ACI 301, including information on storage and curing of samples before testing, including curing method and maximum and minimum temperatures during initial curing period.
3. Testing Agency qualified in accordance with ASTM C1077 and ASTM E329 for testing indicated. Field tests shall be performed by an ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician, Grade I, in accordance with ACI CPP 610.1 or an equivalent certification program.
4. Laboratory tests shall be performed by an ACI-certified Concrete Strength Testing Technician and Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician, Grade I. Testing agency laboratory supervisor shall be an ACI-certified Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician, Grade II.
5. Contractor shall provide daily access and secure space for storage, initial curing and field curing of test samples, including source of water and continuous electrical power at project site.
6. Pre-installation conference now requires the review of the initial curing and field curing of field test cylinders (ASTM C31/C31M).
Other changes made in the revised MasterSpec December 2018 version that make it consistent with ACI 301-16 and 318-14 requirements will be summarized at a later time.
For more information, contact NRMCA's Karthik Obla or Colin Lobo at 1-888-846-7622 or by e-mail, kobla@nrmca.org.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association