Quality Management: The Common Thread of Good Practice (Part 2)-Pros and Cons of Various Basis Quality Standards in the Concrete Industry From ISO to Lab Certification Programs (PDF)

Pros and Cons of Various Basis Quality Standards in the Concrete Industry From ISO to Lab Certification Programs (PDF)

Pdf Summary

The document titled "Solutions to Better Infrastructure: Pros and Cons of Various Quality Standards in the Concrete Industry" by Jinesh Mehta covers an extensive overview of quality management systems (QMS) applicable to the concrete industry. There are three primary areas of focus: organizations, laboratories, and facilities, alongside corresponding staff certifications.<br /><br />For organizational quality management, the document contrasts ISO 9001:2008 with ISO 9001:2015, explaining the evolution in requirements, such as expanded clauses and an emphasis on risk-based thinking and contextual organization understanding. The Baldrige National Quality Award (BNQA) is noted for prioritizing performance excellence and benchmarking against top-tier standards, distinct from ISO's process-focused approach. In the nuclear sector, ASME NQA-1 provides additional Quality Assurance (QA) requirements, especially in areas lacking stringent ISO specifications.<br /><br />Laboratory quality systems feature several accreditations, including AASHTO's accreditation under R18 for various concrete-related tests and the All American Laboratory Association's (A2LA) ISO 17025 accreditation, which involves stricter standards for certain materials like steel. Furthermore, the National Voluntary Lab Accreditation Program (NVLAP) adds to these offerings by utilizing ISO 17025 to cover a wider range of materials beyond just concrete.<br /><br />The document further details the state-specific accreditation need outlined in 23 CFR 637, ensuring independent assurance programs to certify labs on a regional basis.<br /><br />For facilities and staff, certifications from varied bodies such as PCI and NPCA (for precast concrete), NRMCA and State DOTs (e.g., Caltrans), and ICC (International Code Council) are highlighted for covering everything from basic concrete testing to specialized sustainability certifications.<br /><br />Overall, the document underscores the necessity of adhering to these diverse standards and certifications to improve infrastructure quality, ensuring reliability and safety within the concrete industry.

Keywords

Quality Management Systems

Concrete Industry

ISO 9001

Baldrige National Quality Award

ASME NQA-1

AASHTO R18

ISO 17025

NVLAP

PCI Certification

Infrastructure Quality