The design-build construction of the Highway 407 ETR - Express Toll Route (Highway 407) required the development and implementation of a comprehensive quality management plan to control the quality of materials and construction for the project. End result specifications exist for many aspects of Ontario highway construction, with quality control (QC) normally the responsibility of the contractor/supplier and statistical quality assurance (QA) carried out by the agency. For the Highway 407 project, the QC and QA functions were integrated as part of a comprehensive quality management plan that includes, in addition to materials and construction, design and environmental aspects. All QC/QA inspection and testing activities are administered by the Canadian Highways International Corporation (CHIC) QA Manager, with test results managed and electronically reported using quality management software specifically developed for the project. Construction inspections are carried out by specialist inspectors from CHIC and sub-consultants, with QA testing completed by certified, independent construction materials testing laboratories. The philosophy adopted by CHIC for overall quality management of the Highway 407 project is outlined. Development of the QC/QA procedures is described, including the testing plans and acceptance procedures, the development of the test result database and the interaction among CHIC, the owner/agency and its independent agent. The role of the owner/agency - the Ontario Transportation Capital Corporation - is also described, with comments provided on the quality management plan from the owner's perspective. (A)
Abstract