General Introduction

 
By implementing a proper quality control procedure with adequate instruments and professional team, we
give higher assurance to the ready Mix as to its conformity and compliance with technical National and
International Specifications. (ASTM, BS, ACI, Libnor etc...). Such assurances contribute to our mutual
successful growth with our Clients.

Based on the international standards and requirements, our quality policy process was spitted in five
complementary steps starting from the Material Sampling, Equipment calibration, Mix Design Formulation, and
Concrete production, Concrete Transportation, Pumping and Site Testing after pouring.

Each of our operational levels, implements a different category of quality assurance program, based on the
following factors:

 Material sourcing and consistency.

 Reliability of Laboratory instruments.
 Technicity, expertise and competence of the Laboratory Team.
 Engineers and client representative requirements.
 Production, handling and concrete maintenance procedure.

 Audit procedure of compliance and conformity to Norms.

 
Quality Control Procedures  
 
1. MATERIAL SAMPLING
All Samples are identified with at least the following
information:

 Material
 Source - Date
 Time
 Delivery ticket number

1. 1.Cement materials: (ASTM C-150)

 Routine sampling: 1 kg sample/day/source

 Or one sample per 100 tons

 Temperature Control

1.2. Aggregates: (ASTM-C33)

Stockpiles are visually inspected at least once per week for changes in gradation, color and contamination.

 Monthly grading test reports are always obtained

 Proper stockpiling procedures are followed to assure excessive segregation does not take place.
 All aggregates are sampled and tested at least once per month.

1.3. Admixtures: (ASTM C-494)

All bottle dispensers and the air circulation are regularly checked.

  A sample of each admixture delivery is subject to conformity test.

 Quality control and admixture suppliers are notified if any changes in color or viscosity are noted in
the dispensing bottles upon receipt of new shipment.
 Naphtalene sulfonate based super plasticizers and admixtures which separated are agitated at least
 once per month

1.4. Mixing Water (ASTM C-94 table 1&2)

Quality control  ensures that mixing water is tested for acceptance after any changes in supply or at least
once per year.

2. PLANT SETUP AND EQUIPMENT

2.1. Calibration of batching plant scales (ACI 117-8 Table 2.4)

 Weigh scales for seasonal operations are certified at start up.
 Scales Zeroing is checked daily.

Automatic moisture meters are checked for accuracy against actual

moisture content.

2.2. Quality control management ensure that:

 Central mixers are checked daily and truck mixers at least
monthly.

3. MIX DESIGNS (ACI 211.1)

Mix designs are changed with every change of raw material sources.

3. 1. Mix selection:

 Standardized mix designs established and used wherever possible.

 Prior to starting a project at least the following determined by reviewing the specifications and
contract drawings.
 28 days compressive strength
 Minimum cement content.
 Classes of exposure.
 Maximum water/cement ratio.
 Air content.
 Specialty cements
 Admixture.
 Special aggregate.
 Excessive haul distance or concrete temperature limitation.

4. CONCRETE PRODUCTION (ASTM C-94)

4.1. Batching

 Batch sheets in computerized operations show the actual quantities of materials used in the mix
 Plant management notifies quality control of any noticeable changes in the water demand of the
concrete.
 Mix design is not modified without immediate notification of plant management/quality control.
 Sufficient moisture test performed to ensure consistent slump and yield before concrete is supplied
to site.
 Concrete must be mixed to a sufficient mixing time.
4.2. Slump

Plant management and quality control:

 Require drivers to report slump loss occurring between the plant and project.
 Ensure that drivers report any excessive slump losses or increases in water demand through the
placement.
 In case of late delivery due to traffic or any delay that could occur on site the drivers are trained to
estimate slump and to adjust slump accordingly by using the adequate admixture after the
consultant's approval to adjust the slump at site.

4.3. Strength:
A set of 6 samples of each class of concrete is taken at least weekly in house and
stored in thermostatically control water tank to be tested on 7 and 28 days age.
The results are plotted in quality control record log.

5. Transportation and Pumping

All concrete transporters and pumping equipments are being calibrated, capacity controlled and mechanically
tested for reliability and failure risk elimination while performing their duties.
Routing control and delivery quality assurance is being scheduled and controlled for technical compliance.

6. Site Testing and Pouring.

Mobile laboratory is being mobilized for quality testing before and after pouring process, assuring conformity
and compliance with Norms and requirements.

 
Third Party Assistance
 
Third party laboratories assistance is provided by ACTS Laboratories Third party equipment assistance for
calibration is provided by ACTS or Gemalab.