CEMENT AND CONCRETE REFERENCE LABORATORY

AT THE
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND 20899
(301) 975-6704

SPONSORED BY 100 Bureau DI1ve - Stop 8618

COMMIlTEE C-I ON CEMENT Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8618
COMMIlTEE C-9 ON CONCRETE AND Facsimile Number: 301-975-2243
CONCRETE AGGREGATES
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS E-mail Address: ccrl@nist.g:ov
Website: www.ccr1.us

March 13, 2006

Director of Testing
ACIL
1629 K Street, N.W., #400
Washington, D.C. 20006

Subject: Inspection of Materials Testing Laboratories

Dear Ms. Cassedy:

The Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) is proud to announce the 33rd Tour of its Laboratory
Inspection Program. The CCRL Laboratory Inspection Program is an evaluation of construction materials testing
laboratories based on ASTM test methods. The tour will encompass laboratories located in the United States,
Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico and will last for approximately two years. The following has been prepared to
inform you about the inspection services of the CCRL. It contains a brief introduction to CCRL, an outline of the
various inspection programs, and an invitation to continue or initiate participation in these programs.

Introduction

Established in 1929, the CCRL is a cooperative venture between the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(formerly National Bureau of Standards) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Our
primary function is to conduct inspections of laboratories which test hydraulic cements, concrete and concrete
aggregates, pozzolans, reinforcing steel, masonry mortar, or brick and concrete masonry units. A charge for services
rendered will be made in accordance with the enclosed fee schedule. A laboratory may participate if it performs
some or all of the test methods in the scope of the inspection work being requested and is willing to pay the fee f~r
the inspection. As in previous tours, the CCRL will visit all areas wi.thlaboratories requesting an inspection.
However, some areas will be visited only once. To be certain of being inspected, please return a completed copy of
the enclosed request form promptly.

Laboratorv Inspection Program

The CCRL uses a "hands on" approach in the evaluation process which is unique to evaluators of these material
types. Equipment is checked to specification requirements using measuring devices traceable to the National
Institute of Standards and Technology. These measuring devices include load cells, balances, testing weights,
thermometers, psychrometers, spherometers, rulers and micrometers among others. The procedures for each test
method are demonstrated by the laboratory and any deviation from the method is noted. For specifics on each of the
seven materials inspected by the CCRL see the Addendum which is attached to this letter.
-2-

Specifiers of the CCRL Laboratorv Inspection Program

Laboratories may participate in the inspection program for one or more of the following reasons: (1) many
organizations regard participation as an essential part of a quality assurance program for their laboratories; (2)
accrediting organizations, such as the AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) and the National Voluntary
Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), use the inspection as their onsite assessment and may require the
laboratory to participate when seeking accreditation; (3) contract specifiers require participation when selecting a
laboratory. In the past these specifiers have included agencies of the federal government, state agencies,
municipalities, architects, building code organizations, and builders.

Closing Comments

Inspection of laboratories is only one of the functions of the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory.
Distribution of proficiency test samples is another. If you are not now participating in the CCRL Cement, Pozzolan,
Masonry Mortar, Concrete Masonry Units or Concrete Proficiency Sample Programs, you are invited to use these
supplements to the inspection program. Fee information and details of the Proficiency Sample Programs are
available upon request.

Please reply regardless of your decision to participate or not in our inspection programs. This would allow us to
keep our mailing list current with regard to future announcements of CCRL activities.

Your interest in our programs is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely yours,

~
Manager, Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory

Enclosures

LIP.FI8
 Addendum

Hvdraulic Cement Inspection Program

The cement inspection program is comprised of a review of most of the physical tests enumerated in ASTM
Standard Specifications C91 and CI50 along with related standards. The equipment from the following standards is
reviewed: C109, CII5, C151, CI83, C185, CI87, CI9I, C204, C230, C266, C305, C430, C45I, C490, C5II, Cn8, ClO05,
CI437, CI506 and Ell. In addition the procedures from the test methods in the group listed above are demonstrated by
laboratory personnel.
ASTM Standard CI222, Standard Practice for Evaluation of Laboratories Testing Hydraulic Cement, has been
developed for quality system purposes for cement testing laboratories. This standard is the basis for our quality system
review as part of the cement inspection. A quality system, in general, includes the records and written procedures pertaining
to personnel, equipment, and facilities. In this inspection, the records of qualification tests for chemical analyses are included
as well.
As an optional feature of the hydraulic cement inspection, CCRL has made available a review ofCII57, Standard
Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement. In addition to the normal inspection indicated above, CCRL is adding the
examination of equipment and procedures for the following test methods: CI86, CIOI2, and CI038.

Concrete and Concrete Aggregates Inspection Programs

ASTM CIOn, Standard Practice for Laboratories Testing Concrete and Concrete Aggregates for Use in
Construction and Criteria for Laboratory Evaluation, sets forth criteria for evaluating laboratories which test concrete and
concrete aggregates. CCRL uses this standard as the basis for its inspection. Both inspection programs use the mandatory
test methods listed in Section 7.2 of CIOn. For the concrete, the equipment and procedures are reviewed for the following
test methods: C3I, C39, C138, CI43, CI72, CI73, C23I, C470, C511, C617, CI064 and CI231. For an aggregate inspec-
tion, the following test methods are reviewed: C40, CII7, CI27, CI28, C136, C566 and C702. The examination of
facilities, equipment, and procedures remain the foundation of the CCRL inspection. To that foundation, we have added a
review of laboratory operations, personnel practices, and quality assurance systems which are all requirements of CIOn.
Beyond the scope of the mandatory testing of CIon are the many concrete and concrete aggregate test methods
which may be selected as optional methods. For a complete list of optional test methods please consult the enclosed request
form. You may select any number of tests from this list to be included in your inspection; an additional fee for each optional
method inspected will be assessed. Inclusion of selected optional methods may provide greater overall coverage and greater
adaptability to your particular needs. Please circle those optional methods on the enclosed inspection request form which you
would like included in your inspection. The inspector will not be able to perform an evaluation of these methods without
advance notice.

Pozzolan Inspection Program

The growing use of fly ash as a construction material has prompted the development of the pozzolan inspection
program. This inspection covers the tests necessary to determine compliance with the physical requirements for pozzolans as
a mineral admixture and the tests for moisture content and loss on ignition as set forth in ASTM Standard Specification
C618. The following standard test methods, with modifications from C311, are reviewed: C109, C114, CI5I, CI57, CI85,
CI87, CI88, C227, C430, C441 and ClOI2. These test methods along with related standards C230, C305, C490, C5I1 and
Cn8 comprise the inspection.

Steel Reinforcing Bar Inspection Program

The steel inspection format is based on the equipment and procedures used in tension and bend testing of reinforcing
bars. The following test methods are covered in the review: A370, A615, A996 and E8.

Masonry Inspection Program

The Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL) uses the following standards as the basis for the masonry
inspection program: ASTM C67, C90, CI40, C270 and CI093. ASTM CI093, Standard Practice for Accreditation of
Testing Agencies for Unit Masonry, provides criteria for evaluating the capability of a laboratory to properly perform tests on
masonry materials. ASTM C67, C90, CI40 and C270 detail the test procedures and the equipment used.
The masonry inspection program is made up of two separate components: (1) the masonry mortar inspection, and
(2) the masonry brick and concrete masonry units inspection. A laboratory may choose either of these components or may
request to be evaluated for both components.
As an optional feature of the masonry brick and concrete masonry unit inspection, CCRL has included a review of
CIOI9, Sampling and Testing Grout. This optional method includes a review of equipment and the various procedures
required in molding, capping, and breaking of grout prisms.
 Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory
3311ITour Inspection Request Form

The purpose of this form is to facilitate requests for participation in the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory's 33rd
inspection tour. To participate in the inspection program complete this form and return it witha check for $500.00 made
out to ASTM. The check is a non-refundable prepayment which willbe deducted from the cost of the inspection. The
remainder of the cost willbe invoiced after completion of the inspection.

Please return this request to: Please set up vendor/accounting information as:

Mr. Raymond M. Kolos, Assistant Manager CCRUASTM International

Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory GST/HSTNo.: R129162244
100 Bureau Drive,Stop 8618 .
100 Barr Harbor Drive
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8618 West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959

Fill out information requested below: Indicate the type(s) of

inspection:
Nameof Laboratory -
Cement 0
Main Telephone Number . Incl.C1157* 0
Concrete 0
Aggregate 0
Facility Director & Title Pozzolan 0
E-Mail Address . Rebar d
Mailing Address Masonry:
. CMU/Brick 0
Incl. C1019** 0
Mortar 0
Lab Contact & Title For a listingof test methods&
practices inspected for each type
E-Mail Address see the reverse side of this page.
Physical Address "Must requestcementinspection
(if different than Mailing Address) with this option. Includes
C186,C1012 &C1038.

Valid. e-mail addresses are mandatory for ""Mustrequestconcretemasonry

unitslbrickinspectionwith this
the transmittal of vital information during the 33rd Tour. option.

For concrete and aggregate facilities, circle which of the following optional test methods, as listed in C1077,
you would like inspected. An additional fee is charged for each optional test method requested. Please
consult fee schedule for details.

C29,C42,C70,C78,C87,C88,C123,C131,C142,C157,C174.C192,C215.C227,C232,C233,C289,
C293, C341, C403, C418. C441, C457, C469, C495, C496, C512, C535, C567, C586, C597, C641. C642,
.C666.C672,C684,C779,C301,C803,C805,C873,C876,C900,C91B,C944,C1040,C1074,C1084, .
C1105, C1137, C1138, C1152, C1170, C1176,C1202, C1218, C1383, C1399, C1404, and D2419 .

Comments: **FOR OFFI.CE USE ONL Y**

Request No.
Master No.
LabNo.
Seq.No.
Signed PrevoInsp. No.
Dated Prepayment $
or (301) 975-6704 or
Questions? Please contact us at ccrl(Q>.nist.Qov Invoice No.
visit our website at www.ccrl.us Recorded in Book

LIP.F11 Revised 5/05

..
 CEMENT AND CONCRETE REFERENCE LABORATORY
SPONSORED BY
COMMITTEE C-1 ON CEMENT
COMMITTEE C-9 ON CONCRETE AND
CONCRETE AGGREGATES
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

FEE SCHEDULE FOR INSPECTION SERVICES

Effective for Laboratories Inspected In 2006

This schedule has been established for laboratory inspections within the continental United States. This fee
schedule applies to laboratories that are inspected during 2006.. Two levels of fees exist in the schedule. The
"NORMAL SEQU ENCE" rate is used when inspections are conducted during the inspection sequence established
by CCRL. The "OUT OF SEQUENCE" rate is applied when the laboratory requests a.different date of inspection
than that tentatively established by CCRL. Any extraordinary expenses including air fare, shipping cbarges, and
rental car which have been incurred in making the out of sequence trip will be added to the out of sequence fee.

Inspection fee rates of facilities for the following materialtypes at one location:
NORMAL OUT OF
SEQUENCE SEQUENCE
Cement (including laboratory quality system) . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . $3,510 $5,265.
C1157 Optional4 (must request cement inspection with this option) .. .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. $450 $675
Cement andconcrete1 ;......................... $4,570 $6,855
Concrete1 ............................................................ $2,020 $3,030
Concrete1and aggregate1 , ",...,...... $2,630 $3,945
Aggregate1 , "..... ................. . $1,380 $2,070
Cement, concrete1 and aggregate1 . , . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . $5,400 $8,100
Pozzolan . . . . . . , . . . . . . , . . . , , , , . . . . . . . , . . . . , . . . , . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . '.' .
; $2,630 $3,945
Pozzolan and cement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . $4,380 $6,570
Pozzolan and concrete1 ".... $4,570 $6,855.
Pozzolan, cement and concrete1 ,..................... $5,990 $8,985 .
Pozzolan, concrete1 and aggregate1 ................................... $5,400 $8,100
Pozzolan, cement, concrete1 and aggregate1 ............................. $6,500 $9,750
Reinforcing bars .......,.........,.........,......,..........,,.... $800 $1,200
Reinforcing bars with a concrete inspection . . , . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . , . . . . . . $680 $1,020
Concrete masonry unitslbrick . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . . . . . . $2,020 $3,030
C1 019 Optional (must request concrete masonry unitslbrickinspection with this option) .. -$280 $420
Concrete masonry unitslbrick with another inspection2 ..; h" . . .. . ~ ... ...,,. $1,380 $2,070
Masonry mortar .., ; , ".., $1,380 $2,070
Masonry mortar with a cement or pozzolan inspection2 .. . .. . . . . . . " , ; '.' .. . . $280 $420
Masonry mortar and concrete masonry unitslbrick . . . .. . . . . . . . , , . . . , . . . , ... . $2,630 $3,945
Masonry mortar and concrete masonry unitslbrick with a cement inspection2 " " $1,650 $2,475
Masonry mortar, Concrete masonry units/brick with another inspection2 . .'.... .. $2,020 $3,030
Extra compression testing machine3 ., ; ,., $680 $1,020

Fee is based on the required methods inASTM C1077. An additional fee ($150) is charged for each optional
method requested by the laboratory and reviewed during the concrete or aggregate inspection. Optional
methods available are listed below:

C29, C42, C70, C78, C87, C88, C123, C131, C142, C157, C174, C192,C215, C227, C232,
C233, C289; C293, C341, C403, C418, C441, C457, C469,C495, C496, C512, C535, C567,
C586, C597, C641, C642, C666,C672, C684,C779, C801, C803, C805, C873, C876, C900,
C918, C944, C1040, C1074, C1084, C1105, C1137, C1138, C1152, C1170, C1176, C1202,
C1218, C1383, C1399, C1404, and 02419

Does not include fees of other programs

The inspection fees are based on the verification of one compression testing machine in each cement, concrete,
pozzolan, masonry mortar, and masonry CMUlbrick testing laboratory and one tensile testing machine for the
testing of steel reinforcing bars. A fee is charged for each additional machine.

Optional method includes C186, C1012 &C1038

LlP.F19 Revised 8/05

 ACI Performance Examinations with CCRL Inspections

When requesting an inspection, you may also request CCRL to conduct an American Concrete Institute (ACI)
performance examination for either Concrete Laboratory TestingTechnician Grade 1 or Concrete Strength Testing
Technician. Your inspection request must include a concrete and concrete aggregate inspection to have the
. performanceexaminationfQrthe ConcreteLaboratoryTestingTechnicianGrade1. Your inspectionrequestmust
include a concrete inspection to have the performance examination for the Concrete Strength Testing Technician.
The cost per technician for the performance examinations is $150 for the Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician
Program and $100 for the Concrete Strength Testing Technician Program.

The ACI Certification Programs consist of two parts: a performance examination and a written examination. In
certain areas a local ACI Sponsoring Group will provide the entire certification pmgram. Before you decide to take
the performance examination portion with CCRL, it is your responsibility to contact ACI to determine when the written
examination will be available to you locally and what arrangements you must make to complete the process.

To prepare for these examinations, an ACI Technician Workbook is available from ACI headquarters in Detroit. For
information on the program including the workbook and local Sponsoring Groups contact:

Mr. John Conn Tel: (248) 848-3718

.Manager, Certification Operations Fax: (248) 848-3793
American Concrete Institute E-mail: johnconn@concrete.org
P.O. Box 9094
Farmington Hills, Michigan 48333

The following conditions apply to the performance examination provided by the CCRL:

The cost(s) of the performance examinations are payable to CCRL. Fees for the written examination or other
ACI charges are not included.
Technicians to be tested must be employees of the testing laboratory receiving the standard CCRL
Inspection.
Due to time constraints of scheduling inspections, only the number of technicians requested on this
form can be tested during the inspection.
Technicians not passing the performance examination can not be retested by the CCRL until the- next
tour.
·· Arrangements will be made by ACI to accommodate a retest.
Return this form along with the Inspection Request Form to the CCRL.

Performance Examination Request

Laboratory Name Check the Type and Enter Number of Technicians

Address ( Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Grade 1.

Number of Technicians _' .

Concrete Strength Testing Technician.

Number of Technicians~.

Contact Name
**CCRL USE ONL Y**
Telephone No.
Request No.
FAX No.
Master No.

Lab No.

Seq. No.

LIP.F01 Revised2/06