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D5339-94 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📘 Scope and Overview
This standard practice, D5339-94 (Reapproved 1998), establishes procedures for a quality assurance plan (QAP) for structural steel fabrication in highway structures. It outlines inspections, measurements, and tests for the fabricator and owner to confirm material and product conformance. The fabricator’s quality control plan (QCP) and the owner’s acceptance testing plan (ATP) form the QAP, with the objective of ensuring all materials meet contract requirements.
The practice allows maximum flexibility in procedures for cost-effective fabrication while maintaining quality. Alternative methods may be used if they provide at least equal quality assurance, with written proposals required for owner approval. In disputes, contract documents prevail.
| 📏 Reference Document | 📐 Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM E 543 | Practice for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing |
| ANSI/AASHTO/AWS D1.5 | Bridge Welding Code |
| ANSI/AWS D1.1 | Structural Welding Code—Steel |
| AISC Quality Certification Program | Quality Certification for Steel Fabrication |
| SNT-TC-1A | Recommended Practice for NDT Personnel Qualification |
🔍 Key Terminology and Definitions
The standard defines critical terms to ensure clarity in quality assurance processes. These definitions are essential for understanding roles and responsibilities in structural steel fabrication.
| 📖 Term | 📌 Definition |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Testing (ATP) | Testing by the owner to monitor fabrication quality. |
| Acceptance Testing Inspector (ATI) | Owner’s representative for ATP duties. |
| Engineer | State Highway Engineer or authorized representative. |
| Fabricator | Entity providing materials and processes for fabrication. |
| Nondestructive Testing (NDT) | Testing without altering material characteristics. |
| Owner | Transportation agency responsible for the structure. |
| Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) | Comprises QCP and ATP. |
💡 Tip: Alternative procedures must be demonstrated as effective. Contract documents are authoritative in disputes.
⚙️ Quality Assurance Plan Components
The QAP integrates the fabricator’s QCP and the owner’s ATP. The QCP ensures all materials conform to contracts, while the ATP monitors fabrication and specifies corrective actions if needed. Key references include welding codes and NDT standards.
Personnel such as the ATI oversee acceptance testing, and fabricators are responsible for implementing the QCP. The standard ensures comprehensive quality coverage through adherence to ASTM E 543 and SNT-TC-1A.
⚠️ Important: NDT personnel should be qualified per SNT-TC-1A. Fabricators must maintain QCP to avoid ATP corrective actions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the purpose of ASTM D5339-94?
It provides a quality assurance plan for structural steel fabrication in highway structures to ensure conformance to contract requirements.
💡 How are alternative procedures approved?
The fabricator submits a written proposal demonstrating equal or better quality assurance for owner approval.
⚡ Who implements the QCP and ATP?
The fabricator implements the QCP, while the owner implements the ATP through an ATI.
📌 What standards are referenced for NDT?
ASTM E 543 for agencies and SNT-TC-1A for personnel qualification are referenced.