When a test result fails: the first steps
The laboratory emails low seven-day concrete cylinder results while the crew prepares to remove shoring. The foreman has heard that later results may improve. The superintendent needs a decision today without turning a laboratory number into an engineering judgement.
Identify the affected work, hold activities that depend on the uncertain result and notify the responsible technical reviewer. Preserve the original test record and obtain a written direction before changing the work or its supports. An adverse result is a reason to investigate against the project's criteria. It is not something to erase with a second test or interpret from a rule remembered from another job.
- Check that the report identifies your project, location, sample and test date. Confirm what result the laboratory is reporting, and record any identification discrepancy without dismissing the result yourself.
- Tell the project manager and responsible engineer promptly. Send the complete report and identify the activities scheduled next that may depend on the tested work.
- Arrange the relevant hold under the project's procedures. Keep the affected work identifiable and avoid concealing, loading, disturbing or releasing it without the appropriate technical direction.
- Gather the records the reviewer requests: placement or installation records, sample identification, previous results and relevant site observations. Preserve the originals rather than rewriting them to fit an explanation.
- Have the authorized reviewer determine the investigation, further testing and disposition. Record who directs each action and the basis for any release of dependent work.
- Follow through on the decision and retain every result with its context. Update the test register and construction sequence, then review any process issue separately from the technical acceptance.
Common mistakes
- Discarding the first result after another sample gives a better number.
- Asking the trade to decide whether a technical failure matters.
- Continuing dependent work because the likely explanation sounds reassuring.
- Ordering a repair that prevents the reviewer from investigating the original condition.
Checklist
When the result arrives
- Affected work and sample identified
- Full report preserved
- Responsible reviewer notified
- Dependent activities held
- Investigation directed by authorized people
- Release and later evidence recorded
Check your understanding
The laboratory suspects a sampling problem. Does that let you release the dependent activity?
