16.

1-182

CHAPTER N
QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

This chapter addresses minimum requirements for quality control, quality assurance, and
nondestructive testing for structural steel systems and steel elements of composite members
for buildings and other structures.

User Note: This chapter does not address quality control or quality assurance for the
following items:
(a) Steel (open web) joists and girders
(b) Tanks or pressure vessels
(c) Cables, cold-formed steel products, or gage material
(d) Concrete reinforcing bars, concrete materials, or placement of concrete for compo-
site members

The chapter is organized as follows:

N1. General Provisions
N2. Fabricator and Erector Quality Control Program
N3. Fabricator and Erector Documents
N4. Inspection and Nondestructive Testing Personnel
N5. Minimum Requirements for Inspection of Structural Steel Buildings
N6. Approved Fabricators and Erectors
N7. Nonconforming Material and Workmanship
N8. Minimum Requirements for Shop- or Field-Applied Coatings

N1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Quality control (QC), as specified in this chapter, shall be provided by the fabricator
and erector. Quality assurance (QA), as specified in this chapter, shall be provided by
others when required by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), applicable building
code, purchaser, owner, or engineer of record (EOR), and when required, responsi-
bilities shall be specified in the contract documents. Nondestructive testing (NDT)
shall be performed by the agency or firm responsible for quality assurance, except as
permitted in accordance with Section N6.

User Note: The QA/QC requirements in Chapter N are considered adequate and
effective for most steel structures and are strongly encouraged without modifica-
tion. When the applicable building code and AHJ requires the use of a QA plan,
this chapter outlines the minimum requirements deemed effective to provide
satisfactory results in steel building construction. There may be cases where
supplemental inspections are advisable. Additionally, where the contractor’s QC
program has demonstrated the capability to perform some tasks this plan has
assigned to QA, modification of the plan could be considered.

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User Note: The producers of materials manufactured in accordance with the stan-
dard specifications referenced in Section A3 and steel deck manufacturers are not
considered to be fabricators or erectors.

N2. FABRICATOR AND ERECTOR QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM

The fabricator and erector shall establish, maintain, and implement QC procedures
to ensure that their work is performed in accordance with this Specification and the
construction documents.

1. Material Identification
Material identification procedures shall comply with the requirements of Section 6.1
of the AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges, hereafter
referred to as the Code of Standard Practice, and shall be monitored by the fabrica-
tor’s quality control inspector (QCI).

2. Fabricator Quality Control Procedures

The fabricator’s QC procedures shall address inspection of the following as a mini-
mum, as applicable:
(a) Shop welding, high-strength bolting, and details in accordance with Section N5
(b) Shop cut and finished surfaces in accordance with Section M2
(c) Shop heating for cambering, curving, and straightening in accordance with
Section M2.1
(d) Tolerances for shop fabrication in accordance with Code of Standard Practice
Section 11.2

3. Erector Quality Control Procedures

The erector’s quality control procedures shall address inspection of the following as
a minimum, as applicable:
(a) Field welding, high-strength bolting, and details in accordance with Section N5
(b) Steel deck in accordance with Standard for Quality Control and Quality Assur-
ance for Installation of Steel Deck (ANSI/SDI QA/QC)
(c) Headed steel stud anchor placement and attachment in accordance with Section
N5.4
(d) Field cut surfaces in accordance with Section M2.2
(e) Field heating for straightening in accordance with Section M2.1
(f) Tolerances for field erection in accordance with Code of Standard Practice
Section 11.3

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 16.1-184 FABRICATOR AND ERECTOR DOCUMENTS [Sect. N3.

N3. FABRICATOR AND ERECTOR DOCUMENTS

1. Submittals for Steel Construction

The fabricator or erector shall submit the following documents for review by the
EOR or the EOR’s designee, in accordance with Code of Standard Practice Section
4.4, prior to fabrication or erection, as applicable:
(a) Fabrication documents, unless fabrication documents have been furnished by
others
(b) Erection documents, unless erection documents have been furnished by others

2. Available Documents for Steel Construction

The following documents shall be available in electronic or printed form for review
by the EOR or the EOR’s designee prior to fabrication or erection, as applicable,
unless otherwise required in the construction documents to be submitted:
(a) For main structural steel elements, copies of material test reports in accordance
with Section A3.1.
(b) For steel castings and forgings, copies of material test reports in accordance with
Section A3.2.
(c) For fasteners, copies of manufacturer’s certifications in accordance with Section
A3.3.
(d) For anchor rods and threaded rods, copies of material test reports in accordance
with Section A3.4.
(e) For welding consumables, copies of manufacturer’s certifications in accordance
with Section A3.5.
(f) For headed stud anchors, copies of manufacturer’s certifications in accordance
with Section A3.6.
(g) Manufacturer’s product data sheets or catalog data for welding filler metals and
fluxes to be used. The data sheets shall describe the product, limitations of use,
recommended or typical welding parameters, and storage and exposure require-
ments, including baking, if applicable.
(h) Welding procedure specifications (WPS).
(i) Procedure qualification records (PQR) for WPS that are not prequalified in
accordance with Structural Welding Code—Steel (AWS D1.1/D1.1M), hereaf-
ter referred to as AWS D1.1/D1.1M, or Structural Welding Code—Sheet Steel
(AWS D1.3/D1.3M), as applicable.
(j) Welding personnel performance qualification records (WPQR) and continuity
records.
(k) Fabricator’s or erector’s, as applicable, written QC manual that shall include, as
a minimum, the following:
(1) Material control procedures
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(2) Inspection procedures

(3) Nonconformance procedures
(l) Fabricator’s or erector’s, as applicable, QCI qualifications.
(m) Fabricator NDT personnel qualifications, if NDT is performed by the fabricator.

N4. INSPECTION AND NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING PERSONNEL

1. Quality Control Inspector Qualifications

QC welding inspection personnel shall be qualified to the satisfaction of the fabrica-
tor’s or erector’s QC program, as applicable, and in accordance with either of the
following:
(a) Associate welding inspectors (AWI) or higher as defined in Standard for the
Qualification of Welding Inspectors (AWS B5.1), or
(b) Qualified under the provisions of AWS D1.1/D1.1M, clause 8.1.4.2(5).
QC bolting inspection personnel shall be qualified on the basis of documented train-
ing and experience in structural bolting inspection.
The fabricator’s or erector’s QCI performing coating inspection shall be qualified by
training and experience as required by the firm’s quality control program. The QCI
shall receive initial and periodic documented training.
2. Quality Assurance Inspector Qualifications
QA welding inspectors shall be qualified to the satisfaction of the QA agency’s writ-
ten practice, and in accordance with either of the following:
(a) Welding inspectors (WI) or senior welding inspectors (SWI), as defined in
Standard for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors (AWS B5.1), except AWI
are permitted to be used under the direct supervision of WI, who are on the
premises and available when weld inspection is being conducted, or
(b) Qualified under the provisions of AWS D1.1/D1.1M, clause 8.1.4.2(5).
QA bolting inspection personnel shall be qualified on the basis of documented train-
ing and experience in structural bolting inspection.
QA coating inspection personnel shall be qualified to the satisfaction of the QA
agency’s written practice. The inspector shall have received documented training,
have experience in coating inspection, and shall be qualified in accordance with one
of the following:
(a) AMPP Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Level 1 Certification
(b) NACE Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Level 1 Certification
(c) SSPC Protective Coatings Inspector Program (PCI) Level 1 Certification
(d) On the basis of documented training and experience in coating application and
inspection

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 16.1-186 INSPECTION AND NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING PERSONNEL [Sect. N4.

3. NDT Personnel Qualifications

NDT personnel, for NDT other than visual, shall be qualified in accordance with
their employer’s written practice, which shall meet or exceed the criteria of AWS
D1.1/D1.1M, clause 8.14.6, and
(a) 
Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing (ASNT
SNT-TC-1A), or
(b) 
Standard for the Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Per-
sonnel (ANSI/ASNT CP-189).

N5. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION OF

STRUCTURAL STEEL BUILDINGS

1. Quality Control
QC inspection tasks shall be performed by the fabricator’s or erector’s QCI, as appli-
cable, in accordance with Sections N5.4, N5.6, and N5.7.
Tasks in Tables N5.4-1 through N5.4-3 and Tables N5.6-1 through N5.6-3 listed for
QC are those inspections performed by the QCI to ensure that the work is performed
in accordance with the construction documents.
For QC inspection, the applicable construction documents are the fabrication docu-
ments and the erection documents, and the applicable referenced specifications,
codes, and standards.

User Note: The QCI need not refer to the design documents and project specifi-
cations. The Code of Standard Practice Section 4.2.1(a) requires the transfer of
information from the contract documents (design documents and project specifi-
cation) into accurate and complete fabrication and erection documents, allowing
QC inspection to be based upon fabrication and erection documents alone.

2. Quality Assurance
The QAI shall review the material test reports and certifications as listed in Section
N3.2 for compliance with the construction documents.
QA inspection tasks shall be performed by the QAI in accordance with Sections
N5.4, N5.6, and N5.7.
Tasks in Tables N5.4-1 through N5.4-3 and N5.6-1 through N5.6-3 listed for QA
are those inspections performed by the QAI to ensure that the work is performed in
accordance with the construction documents.
Concurrent with the submittal of such reports to the AHJ, EOR, or owner, the QA
agency shall submit to the fabricator and erector the following:
(a) Inspection reports
(b) NDT reports

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 Sect. N5.] MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION 16.1-187

Table N5.4-1
Inspection Tasks Prior to Welding
Inspection Tasks Prior to Welding QC QA
Welder qualification records and continuity records P O
WPS available P P
Manufacturer certifications for welding consumables available P P
Material identification (type/grade) O O
Welder identification system
• Fabricator or erector, as applicable, shall maintain a system
by which a welder who has welded a joint or member can be
O O
identified.
• Die stamping of members subjected to fatigue shall be
prohibited unless approved by the engineer of record.
Fit-up of groove welds (including joint geometry)
• Joint preparations
• Dimensions (alignment, root opening, root face, bevel)
O O
• Cleanliness (condition of steel surfaces)
• Tacking (tack weld quality and location)
• Backing type and fit (if applicable)

Fit-up of CJP groove welds of HSS T-, Y-, and K-connections with-
out backing (including joint geometry)
• Joint preparations
P O
• Dimensions (alignment, root opening, root face, bevel)
• Cleanliness (condition of steel surfaces)
• Tacking (tack weld quality and location)
Configuration and finish of access holes O O
Fit-up of fillet welds
• Dimensions (alignment, gaps at root)
O O
• Cleanliness (condition of steel surfaces)
• Tacking (tack weld quality and location)

Check welding equipment O −

3. Coordinated Inspection
When a task is noted to be performed by both QC and QA, it is permitted to coor-
dinate the inspection function between the QCI and QAI so that the inspection
functions are performed by only one party. When QA relies upon inspection func-
tions performed by QC, the approval of the EOR and the AHJ is required.

4. Inspection of Welding
Observation of welding operations and visual inspection of in-process and completed
welds shall be the primary method to confirm that the materials, procedures, and
workmanship are in conformance with the construction documents.

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 16.1-188 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION [Sect. N5.

TABLE N5.4-2
Inspection Tasks During Welding
Inspection Tasks During Welding QC QA
Control and handling of welding consumables
• Packaging O O
• Exposure control
No welding over cracked tack welds O O
Environmental conditions
• Wind speed within limits O O
• Precipitation and temperature
WPS followed
• Settings on welding equipment
• Travel speed
• Selected welding materials
O O
• Shielding gas type/flow rate
• Preheat applied
• Interpass temperature maintained (min./max.)
• Proper position (F, V, H, OH)
Welding techniques
• Interpass and final cleaning
O O
• Each pass within profile limitations
• Each pass meets quality requirements
Placement and installation of steel headed stud anchors P P

User Note: The technique, workmanship, appearance, and quality of welded

construction are addressed in Section M2.4.

As a minimum, welding inspection tasks shall be in accordance with Tables N5.4-1,

N5.4-2, and N5.4-3. In these tables, the inspection tasks are as follows:
(a) Observe (O): The inspector shall observe these items on a random basis. Opera-
tions need not be delayed pending these inspections.
(b) Perform (P): These tasks shall be performed for each welded joint or member.

5. Nondestructive Testing of Welded Joints

5a. Procedures
Ultrasonic testing (UT), magnetic particle testing (MT), penetrant testing (PT), and
radiographic testing (RT), where required, shall be performed by QA in accordance
with AWS D1.1/D1.1M.

User Note: The technique, workmanship, appearance, and quality of welded

construction is addressed in Section M2.4.

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 Sect. N5.] MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION 16.1-189

TABLE N5.4-3
Inspection Tasks After Welding
Inspection Tasks After Welding QC QA
Welds cleaned O O
Size, length, and location of welds P P
Welds meet visual acceptance criteria
• Crack prohibition
• Weld/base-metal fusion
• Crater cross section
P P
• Weld profiles
• Weld size
• Undercut
• Porosity
Arc strikes P P
k-area[a] P P
Weld access holes in rolled heavy shapes and built-up heavy
P P
shapes[b]
Backing removed and weld tabs removed (if required) P P
Repair activities P P
Document acceptance or rejection of welded joint or member[c] P P
No prohibited welds have been added without the approval of the
O O
engineer of record
[a]When welding of doubler plates, continuity plates, or stiffeners has been performed in the k-area, visually
inspect the web k-area for cracks within 3 in. (75 mm) of the weld.
[b]After rolled heavy shapes (see Section A3.1d) and built-up heavy shapes (see Section A3.1e) are welded,
visually inspect the weld access hole for cracks.
[c]Die stamping of members subjected to fatigue shall be prohibited unless approved by the engineer of record.

5b. CJP Groove Weld NDT

For structures in risk category III or IV, as defined in ASCE/SEI 7, UT shall be
performed by QA on all complete-joint-penetration (CJP) groove welds subjected to
transversely applied tension loading in butt, T-, and corner joints, in material c in.
(8 mm) thick or greater. For structures in risk category II, UT shall be performed by
QA on 10% of CJP groove welds in butt, T-, and corner joints subjected to trans-
versely applied tension loading, in materials c in. (8 mm) thick or greater.

User Note: For structures in risk category I, NDT of CJP groove welds is not
required. For all structures in all risk categories, NDT of CJP groove welds in
materials less than c in. (8 mm) thick is not required.

5c. Welded Joints Subjected to Fatigue

When required by Appendix 3, Table A-3.1, welded joints requiring weld soundness
to be established by radiographic or ultrasonic inspection shall be tested by QA as
prescribed. Reduction in the rate of UT is prohibited.

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 16.1-190 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION [Sect. N5.

5d. Ultrasonic Testing Rejection Rate

The ultrasonic testing rejection rate shall be determined as the number of welds
containing defects divided by the number of welds completed. Welds that contain
acceptable discontinuities shall not be considered as having defects when the rejec-
tion rate is determined. For evaluating the rejection rate of continuous welds over
3 ft (1 m) in length where the effective throat is 1 in. (25 mm) or less, each 12 in.
(300 mm) increment or fraction thereof shall be considered as one weld. For evalu-
ating the rejection rate on continuous welds over 3 ft (1 m) in length where the
effective throat is greater than 1 in. (25 mm), each 6 in. (150 mm) of length, or frac-
tion thereof, shall be considered one weld.

5e. Reduction of Ultrasonic Testing Rate

For projects that contain 40 or fewer welds, there shall be no reduction in the ultra-
sonic testing rate. The rate of UT is permitted to be reduced if approved by the EOR
and the AHJ. Where the initial rate of UT is 100%, the NDT rate for an individual
welder or welding operator is permitted to be reduced to 25%, provided the rejection
rate, the number of welds containing unacceptable defects divided by the number of
welds completed, is demonstrated to be 5% or less of the welds tested for the welder
or welding operator. A sampling of at least 40 completed welds shall be made for
such reduced evaluation on each project.

5f. Increase in Ultrasonic Testing Rate

For structures in risk category II and higher (where the initial rate for UT is 10%)
the NDT rate for an individual welder or welding operator shall be increased to
100% should the rejection rate (the number of welds containing unacceptable defects
divided by the number of welds completed) exceed 5% of the welds tested for the
welder or welding operator. A sampling of at least 20 completed welds on each proj-
ect shall be made prior to implementing such an increase. If the rejection rate for the
welder or welding operator falls to 5% or less on the basis of at least 40 completed
welds, the rate of UT may be decreased to 10%.

5g. Documentation
All NDT performed shall be documented. For shop fabrication, the NDT report shall
identify the tested weld by piece mark and location in the piece. For field work, the
NDT report shall identify the tested weld by location in the structure, piece mark,
and location in the piece.
When a weld is rejected on the basis of NDT, the NDT record shall indicate the loca-
tion of the defect and the basis of rejection.

6. Inspection of High-Strength Bolting

Observation of bolting operations shall be the primary method used to confirm
that the materials, procedures, and workmanship incorporated in construction are
in conformance with the construction documents and the provisions of the RCSC
Specification.

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 Sect. N5.] MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION 16.1-191

TABLE N5.6-1
Inspection Tasks Prior to Bolting
Inspection Tasks Prior to Bolting QC QA
Manufacturer’s certifications available for fastener materials O P

Fasteners marked in accordance with ASTM requirements O O

Correct fasteners selected for the joint detail (grade, type, bolt
O O
length if threads are to be excluded from shear plane)
Correct bolting procedure selected for joint detail O O

Connecting elements, including the appropriate faying surface

condition and hole preparation, if specified, meet applicable O O
requirements

Pre-installation verification testing by installation personnel

observed and documented for fastener assemblies and methods P O
used

Protected storage provided for bolts, nuts, washers, and other

O O
fastener components

(a) For snug-tight joints, pre-installation verification testing as specified in Table

N5.6-1 and monitoring of the installation procedures as specified in Table
N5.6-2 are not applicable. The QCI and QAI need not be present during the
installation of fasteners in snug-tight joints.
(b) For pretensioned joints and slip-critical joints, when the installer is using the
turn-of-nut or combined method with matchmarking techniques, the direct-
tension-indicator method, or the twist-off-type tension control bolt method,
monitoring of bolt pretensioning procedures shall be as specified in Table N5.6-
2. The QCI and QAI need not be present during the installation of fasteners when
these methods are used by the installer.
(c) For pretensioned joints and slip-critical joints, when the installer is using the
turn-of-nut or combined method without matchmarking, or the calibrated wrench
method, monitoring of bolt pretensioning procedures shall be as specified in
Table N5.6-2. The QCI and QAI shall be engaged in their assigned inspec-
tion duties during installation of fasteners when these methods are used by the
installer.
As a minimum, bolting inspection tasks shall be in accordance with Tables N5.6-1,
N5.6-2, and N5.6-3. In these tables, the inspection tasks are as follows:
(a) 
Observe (O): The inspector shall observe these items on a random basis.
Operations need not be delayed pending these inspections.
(b) Perform (P): These tasks shall be performed for each bolted connection.

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 16.1-192 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION [Sect. N5.

TABLE N5.6-2
Inspection Tasks During Bolting
Inspection Tasks During Bolting QC QA

Fastener assemblies placed in all holes, and washers and nuts are
O O
positioned as required

Joint brought to the snug-tight condition prior to the pretensioning

O O
operation

Fastener component not turned by the wrench prevented from

O O
rotating

Fasteners are pretensioned in accordance with the RCSC

Specification, progressing systematically from the most rigid point O O
toward the free edges

TABLE N5.6-3
Inspection Tasks After Bolting
Inspection Tasks After Bolting QC QA
Document acceptance or rejection of bolted connections P P

7. Inspection of Galvanized Structural Steel Main Members

Exposed cut surfaces of galvanized structural steel main members and exposed
corners of rectangular HSS shall be visually inspected for cracks subsequent to gal-
vanizing. Cracks shall be repaired or the member shall be rejected.

User Note: It is normal practice for fabricated steel that requires hot-dip galvaniz-
ing to be delivered to the galvanizer and then shipped to the jobsite. As a result,
inspection on site is common.

8. Other Inspection Tasks

The fabricator’s QCI shall inspect the fabricated steel to verify compliance with the
details shown on the fabrication documents.

User Note: This includes such items as the correct application of shop joint
details at each connection.

The erector’s QCI shall inspect the erected steel frame to verify compliance with the
field installed details shown on the erection documents.

User Note: This includes such items as braces, stiffeners, member locations, and
correct application of field joint details at each connection.

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 Sect. N7.] NONCONFORMING MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP 16.1-193

The QAI shall be on the premises for inspection during the placement of anchor rods
and other embedments supporting structural steel for compliance with the construc-
tion documents. As a minimum, the diameter, grade, type, and length of the anchor
rod or embedded item, and the extent or depth of embedment into the concrete, shall
be verified and documented prior to placement of concrete.
The QAI shall inspect the fabricated steel or erected steel frame, as applicable, to
verify compliance with the details shown on the construction documents.

User Note: This includes such items as braces, stiffeners, member locations, and
the correct application of joint details at each connection.

The acceptance or rejection of joint details and the correct application of joint details
shall be documented.

N6. APPROVED FABRICATORS AND ERECTORS

When the fabricator or erector has been approved by the AHJ to perform all inspec-
tions without the involvement of a third-party, independent QAI, the fabricator
or erector shall perform and document all of the QA inspections required by this
chapter.
NDT of welds completed in an approved fabricator’s shop is permitted to be per-
formed by that fabricator when approved by the AHJ. When the fabricator performs
the NDT, the NDT reports prepared by the fabricator’s NDT personnel shall be avail-
able for review by the QA agency.
At completion of fabrication, the approved fabricator shall submit a certificate of
compliance to the AHJ stating that the materials supplied and work performed by the
fabricator are in accordance with the construction documents. At completion of erec-
tion, the approved erector shall submit a certificate of compliance to the AHJ stating
that the materials supplied and work performed by the erector are in accordance with
the construction documents.

N7. NONCONFORMING MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP

Identification and rejection of material or workmanship that is not in conformance
with the construction documents is permitted at any time during the progress of the
work. However, this provision shall not relieve the owner or the inspector of the
obligation for timely, in-sequence inspections. Nonconforming material and work-
manship shall be brought to the immediate attention of the fabricator or erector, as
applicable.
Nonconforming material or workmanship shall be brought into conformance or made
suitable for its intended purpose as determined by the EOR.
Concurrent with the submittal of such reports to the AHJ, EOR, or owner, the QA
agency shall submit to the fabricator and erector:
(a) Nonconformance reports
(b) Reports of repair, replacement, or acceptance of nonconforming items
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N8. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOP- OR FIELD-APPLIED

COATINGS
When coating or touch up is specified in the contract documents to be performed
by the fabricator or erector, the fabricator or erector, as applicable, shall establish,
maintain, and implement QC procedures to ensure the proper application of coatings
on structural steel in accordance with the coating manufacturer’s product data sheet.

User Note: When there is a conflict between the coating manufacturer’s product
data sheet and the contract documents for the proper application of a coating, it is
recommended to clarify with the engineer of record which will govern.

Unless there is direction to the contrary in the contract documents, observation of the
coating process prior to, during, and after the application of the coating shall be the
primary method to confirm that the coating material, procedures, and workmanship
are in conformance with the construction documents.

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