CCS Quality Control & Inspection 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ASTM standard governs the practice for sampling freshly mixed concrete for testing?
- ASTM C172 (Correct answer)
- ASTM C31
- ASTM C143
- ASTM C150
Correct answer: ASTM C172
ASTM C172 covers the standard practice for sampling freshly mixed hydraulic cement concrete.
Question 2: When reviewing a contractor's quality control program, which of the following best indicates an effective corrective action system?
- Rapid closeout of nonconformance reports without root cause analysis
- A documented process linking deficiency identification to root cause and preventive measures (Correct answer)
- Verbal resolution of all deficiencies to avoid paperwork
- Delegating all corrective actions to subcontractors
Correct answer: A documented process linking deficiency identification to root cause and preventive measures
Effective corrective action requires identifying the root cause and implementing preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
Question 3: What is the principal distinction between quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) in construction?
- QC is performed by the owner; QA is performed by the contractor
- QC involves operational activities by the contractor; QA involves verification activities by the owner or third party (Correct answer)
- QC applies only to materials; QA applies only to workmanship
- QC and QA are interchangeable terms in construction
Correct answer: QC involves operational activities by the contractor; QA involves verification activities by the owner or third party
QC is the contractor's internal process to meet requirements; QA is the owner's or third-party verification that those processes are working.
Question 4: A specifier includes a requirement for factory inspection of pre-engineered metal building components. Which specification section would MOST likely contain this requirement?
- Division 01 – General Requirements
- Division 02 – Existing Conditions
- The applicable Division 13 or product section (Correct answer)
- Division 26 – Electrical
Correct answer: The applicable Division 13 or product section
Factory inspection requirements are typically found in the technical specification section covering the specific product, such as pre-engineered metal buildings.
Question 5: Which condition would trigger a 'witness point' in an Inspection and Test Plan, as opposed to a 'hold point'?
- When work must stop pending third-party approval
- When the inspector wishes to observe but work may continue if the inspector is unavailable (Correct answer)
- When material fails initial testing
- When a change order is required
Correct answer: When the inspector wishes to observe but work may continue if the inspector is unavailable
A witness point allows the inspector to observe the activity if possible, but unlike a hold point, work may proceed if the inspector cannot attend.
Question 6: Which ISO standard series is most directly applicable to quality management systems in construction?
- ISO 14001
- ISO 9001 (Correct answer)
- ISO 45001
- ISO 31000
Correct answer: ISO 9001
ISO 9001 specifies requirements for quality management systems and is widely applied in construction project quality programs.
Question 7: A specifier learns that installed masonry units do not match the approved sample but are otherwise structurally sound. Which action is MOST appropriate?
- Accept the work because it is structurally adequate
- Issue a nonconformance and require contractor to submit a formal deviation request (Correct answer)
- Ignore the discrepancy if the contractor agrees to a price reduction
- Revise the specification retroactively
Correct answer: Issue a nonconformance and require contractor to submit a formal deviation request
Nonconforming work must be formally documented and a deviation or substitution request submitted for owner/design professional review, even if structurally sound.
CCS Quality Control & Inspection 3
Which ASTM standard governs the practice for sampling freshly mixed concrete for testing?