Quality Assurance Program

• Key Elements of WSDOT Program

• History of WSDOT Program

• Contact the Quality Systems Manager

The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Qualify Assurance Program requires all quality acceptance testing to be performed by qualified testing personnel using calibrated/verified equipment.  The requirements of this program are contained in Section 9-5.5 of the WSDOT Construction Manual M41-03.

Key elements of Washington State Qualified Assurance Program are:  

History of the Construction Tester Qualification Program In Washington State

In June 1995, the Federal Register, Volume 60, Number 125 Pages 33712 to 33719 was published that required the State Transportation Departments doing any work on the National Highway System to do the following:

·      By June 29, 1997 all States Central Laboratories had to be AASHTO accredited.

·      By June 29, 2000 all sampling and testing have to be done by qualified personnel.

·      By June 29, 2000 all laboratories used in acceptance testing have to be qualified and use calibrated equipment.

·      By June 29, 2000 all non-state laboratories that do IA or dispute resolution sampling and testing have to be AASHTO accredited.

Towards the end of 1995, Bob Gietz was temporarily hired to put together the accreditation program for us that met the requirements of AASHTO R-18 and the Federal Register.  This included developing a Quality Systems Manual, setting up calibration procedures and record keeping for all of the equipment, developing training records and qualification check lists for all of the procedures that we do.  There was a Quality Systems Manager hired.  All of this took approximately 9 months at a cost of about $500,000 to become accredited.  On July 1, 1996 our central laboratory in Tumwater became an AASHTO accredited laboratory.

During this same time period, the development of  a quality system for the region and field laboratories that meets the requirements of the Federal Register was started.  This basically was going to be an extension of the AASHTO accreditation program from the central laboratory.

There was a process group developed to set the direction for the regional program.  This group was the “Regional Advisory Group” or RAG.  Each region was asked to have participation in the group with people that would represent their region and take the information back to their regions for discussion and concurrence.  After many meetings, and much discussion, the RAG came to an agreement on the development of a quality system that could be used in the regions and project laboratories, which is basically what we are using today. 

In May 1997, the FHWA approved the process that the RAG developed for qualified testers and qualified laboratories.  In November 1997 this process was printed in the Construction Manual as a supplemental section.  This supplemental section would replace the old Section 5-5.5 that dealt with assurance testing and IAI samples.  Implementation of this section would happen when each region had their qualified testers and calibrated equipment program operational.  

Soon after the supplemental section was printed, the RAG group was replaced with the Regional Implementation Group, or RIG.  Some of the same people were on the new group.  This group was charged with the implementation and fine tuning of the process, and also had to take the information back to their regions for discussion and concurrence.  

Contact the Quality Systems Manager

For more information, please contact Washington State’s Department of Transportation Quality Systems Manager:

Linda Hughes
Washington State Materials Laboratory
PO Box 47365, Olympia WA, 98504-7365
1655 S. 2^nd Ave., Tumwater WA, 98512
Phone:  360-709-5412
Fax: 360-709-5588
E-mail:  HugheL@wsdot.wa.gov    top

AASHTO Accredited Program

AASHTO Accredited Laboratory

In June 1995, the Federal Register was amended that required the State Transportation Departments central laboratories to become AASHTO Accredited.  Washington State became an AASHTO accredited laboratory on July 1, 1996.  Washington State is currently AASHTO Accredited in the following testing methods.  A listing of other AASHTO Accredited Laboratories in Washington State can be found on the AASHTO Materials Reference Library (AMRL) web page.

Asphalt Cement/Cutback Asphalt:

T44 T48 T49 T50 T51 T53 T78 T201 T202 T228 T240 T295 PP1 TP1 TP5 TP48

Emulsified Asphalts:

T59 (Residue by Distillation, Residue by Evaporation, Particle Charge, Saybolt Viscosity, Demulsibility, Sieve Test)

Hot Mix Asphalt:

T30 T166 T209 T269 T308 T312

Soil:

T87 T88 T89 T90 T99 T100 T176 T208 T216 T236 T265 T296 T297

Aggregate:

T11 T21 T27 T84 T85 T96 T176 T248 T255 T304 - D4791

Portland Cement Concrete:

T22 T23 (Cylinders) T119 T121 T141 T152 T196 T231 - C31 (Cylinders) C39 C138 C143 C172 C173 C231 C617 C1064

Hydraulic Cement - Physical Tests:

T106 T107 T129 T131 T137 T153 T154 T162 - C109 C151 C185 C187 C191 C204 C266 C305 C1222

Hydraulic Cement - Chemical Tests :

T105/C114 Reference (silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, ferric oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, sulfur trioxide, loss on ignition, sodium oxide, potassium oxide, insoluble residue) C1222

The requirements for the AASHTO Accreditation Program can be found in AASHTO R-18.  Additional information about the Accreditation Program can be found on the AMRL website.  top

Proficiency Sample Program

As part of the AASHTO Accreditation program, proficiency samples are provider to each participant at intervals of 6 to 12 months.  Each sample has anywhere from 6 to 25 attributes that are evaluated.  Currently our laboratory receives 20 pairs of samples each year. This program provides laboratories with a mechanism for checking both the instrument and the operator under actual testing condition, compares individual test results with the average of a large body of results so that corrective action may be taken where wide discrepancies in test results occur, and evaluates the quality of test results, thereby reducing the risk of dispute due to testing errors.  Currently the WSDOT laboratory is testing soils, aggregates, asphalt binders, asphalt emulsion, hot mix asphalts, concrete, and cements. 

The proficiency samples that the WSDOT Materials Laboratory tests has become a performance measure.  The laboratory will be working to decrease the number of written responses that are being required to be sent to AASHTO each year, while working to achieve 100 percent of the attributes within two standard deviations of the average.  A written response is required to explain test results that are outside two standard deviations. 

Additional information about the Proficiency Sample Program can be found on the AMRL website.    top

Quality Systems Manual

As part of the AASHTO Accreditation Program, the WSDOT central Materials Laboratory has to establish and maintain a Quality Systems Manual.  The region and field testing Quality Systems Manual is contained in Section 9-5.5 of the WSDOT Construction Manual  M41-03. 

The manual contains the organizational chart showing each individual section, the operational personnel, and the lines of authority.  It also contains a biographical sketch and position descriptions, duties, skills, education and experience, and supervision exercised and received for each position.  The manual also contains the method for training the tester, the method for evaluating the tester, and the frequency for evaluations.

An inventory of all the laboratory sampling and testing equipment is maintained in the manual.  The methods and frequency for calibrating/verifying the equipment are also contained in the manual.

The Quality Systems Manual also contains a sample of all of the Test Records and Reports that we use, the location of these records, how we manage all of the testing samples.  The method for reviewing proficiency samples and the required steps for Corrective Action is defined.  The requirements for Internal Quality Systems Review and Subcontracting are also defined in the manual.

The Quality Systems Manual can be viewed at the office of the Washington State’s Department of Transportation Quality Systems Manager at:

Washington State Materials Laboratory
1655 S. 2^nd Ave., Tumwater WA, 98512
360-709-5411, Fax: 360-709-5588
E-mail:  HugheL@wsdot.wa.gov  top

Qualified Tester Program

WSDOT personnel assigned with testing construction materials will be enrolled in the Construction Tester Qualification Program. There are two programs, the WSDOT main laboratory in Tumwater, and the regional and field testing personnel.  The qualification requirements for the WSDOT main laboratory personnel are contained in the Quality Systems Manual.  The details for the region and field testing personnel contained in Section 9-5.5 of the WSDOT Construction Manual M41-03. 

This program establishes uniform testing procedures, insures that testing staff is qualified in performing the testing procedures, and provides a regular review. The review process, through inspection by the Region Independent Assurance Inspector (IAI) evaluates the performance of all testing staff, recognizes proficient performance, and improves substandard performance by recommending corrective action. The qualification program extends the State Materials Laboratory accreditation principles. This includes the assignment, management, and review of project level testing using elements of the State Materials Laboratory accreditation program to accommodate an interface with region and, project level materials testing operations and the use and understanding of national standard test procedures such as AASHTO and ASTM, and other test procedures such as WAQTC and WSDOT.

Qualification Categories

There are three qualification categories that a tester can be qualified in.  They can be qualified in one or more of three categories. The qualification categories are: 

a. Module Qualified Tester: Fully proficient in a testing module, normally works independently with only general supervision and is responsible for determining material compliance.

b. Individual Method Qualified Tester:  Has proficiency in one or more test procedures which may partially encompass methods in the qualification modules, but also extends to other infrequent acceptance procedures performed at the project level, and includes tests performed at the Regional or State Materials Laboratories.

c. Interim Qualified Tester: Basically proficient in one or more tests but, limited to an interim period of in-training work. Works under the close supervision of a module or individual method qualified tester, refer to Paragraph 5 below.

Testing personnel at the Region may be either Module Qualified, Individual Method Qualified, or Interim Qualified Testers. Per the AASHTO accreditation, the State Materials Laboratory personnel are Individual Method Qualified Testers. top

Modules Testing Procedures

Qualification Modules: The construction tester qualification modules have been set up in 5 areas of testing that represent most of the acceptance tests performed. The project acceptance testers will be evaluated for their proficiency in one or more of the construction tester qualification modules. The modules and the testing procedure in the module are listed as follows:

Aggregate Module

Asphalt Module

Concrete Module

Embankment and Base Density Module

Asphalt Pavement Density Module

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Attaining Qualification Requirements

The methods for attaining qualified tester qualification are as follows:

Module Qualified Testers: To become a Module Qualified Tester the tester shall satisfactorily complete the required written tests and proficiency evaluations by the IAI, the Region Construction Trainer, or materials staff under the direction of the Materials Engineer in a field or region laboratory for one or more modules in the construction tester qualification program.

Qualification in a module will require satisfactory completion of a written exam, followed by hands-on performance of testing procedures. Written examinations require an overall score of 70 percent, with not less than 60 percent on each method for satisfactory completion. The hands-on performance examination requires satisfactory completion of each required test method for all steps of the checklist. 

Individual Method Qualified Testers: To become a Individual Method Qualified Tester the tester shall satisfactorily complete the proficiency evaluation by the IAI, the Region Construction Trainer, or materials staff under the direction of the Materials Engineer. This can be accomplished in a field or region laboratory or State Materials Laboratory. Their qualification records reflect proficiency in the specific individual test methods.

Qualification in an individual test method requires satisfactory completion of all checklist steps, in sequential order.

Interim Qualified Testers: To become an Interim Qualified Tester, the following conditions have to be met: 

(1) Individual study of the written test method(s) for a complete module,

(2) Test demonstration by a proficient tester,

(3) Allowance for practice or trial tests,

(4) Successful completion of hands-on performance of the testing procedures using the checklist, in the presence of a qualified tester that is qualified in the same test or module containing the test without coaching, and

(5) The Interim Qualified Tester works under close supervision by a Module or Individual Method Qualified Tester who is qualified in the same tests.

The conditions as described above, leading to interim qualification, may be conducted by another tester currently qualified in the module or test concerned. Based on evaluation of prior experience by the supervisor, with concurrence of the region IAI or Region Construction Trainer, a non-qualified tester may be considered to have the equivalent of conditions 1 through 3 above. An individual will be considered an interim qualified tester when successful testing performance conforming to the checklists has been completed in the presence of another qualified tester.  top

Equivalent Programs

Equivalent programs, i.e., American Concrete Institute (ACI) Certification, may be accepted for initial qualification where feasible. The State Materials Engineer will determine acceptance of alternate programs.  The tester will still have to be re-qualified annually. top

Re-qualification Requirements

A tester will continue to be qualified under the following conditions:

a. All unsatisfactory evaluations are resolved within 30 days.

b. For a region or field tester, the tester shall be re-evaluated any time during the next calendar year (January to December).  For the main Materials Laboratory in Tumwater, the tester shall be re-evaluated annually, that is within 365 days of the last evaluation.

c. For a modular qualified tester, any tester missing two consecutive yearly annual evaluations, will be required to retake the written test and achieved a satisfactory performance evaluations.  top

Performance Reviews

The IAI, the Region Construction Trainer, or materials staff under the direction of the Materials Engineer reviews performance of all Module qualified, Individual Method Qualified, and interim qualified testers as provided under the IA process.

Such reviews are documented in the form of checklists reflecting the degree of conformance to the test procedure. 

Remarks may be included to reflect commendable performance, attention to detail, cooperative attitude, or other performance beyond the expected norm. Satisfactory reports affirm tester proficiency; attest to proper operation of the materials acceptance process.

Expected satisfactory performance is that all steps of the checklist be performed correctly. However, incidences of single to several errors as isolated, first-time occurrences, which are acknowledged and corrected by on the spot, discussion with the evaluator also constitute satisfactory performance. (Note: Some procedures may have single steps of such criticality that their omission reflects unsatisfactory performance.)

Unsatisfactory performance constitutes repeated occurrences of previous on-the-spot corrections, incorrect performance of critical steps, or incorrect performance of over one-third of the checklist task steps. The evaluator may also assign unsatisfactory performance based on observed falsification of test reports, violations of safety, hazardous materials or nuclear materials security standards, or failure to provide proper care of equipment.  top

Infrequent Testing Requirements

Test procedures that are not performed on a regular basis shall be considered infrequently performed test procedures. For those procedures the Materials Engineer, or his designated representative, will insure that the following process is employed in carrying out the procedure;

a. The employee responsible for performing the test will study the test method, after first determining that the procedure is the applicable current version.

b. The necessary test equipment will be assembled and confirmed as to its suitability and verification if required.

c. The employee will review how to conduct of the test with the supervisor and clarify any questions.

d. The test procedure will be performed in duplicate, using split portions of the test sample if possible. If not, a blank of other similar material will be run in duplicate prior to testing.

e. The results of the duplicate determination will be compared with the expected precision and bias determinations, if any, from the test procedure. 

f. Lacking any defined basis of comparison, the results will be reported as the average of the two determinations with both the individual values and the average shown on the test report.  top

Independent Assurance Program

The IA Program, through a combination of sampling and observation, is intended to determine the conformance of sampling and testing to the defined procedures. The Independent Assurance process is intended to verify procedures, confirm equipment verification, and, obtain split samples for aggregate and hot mix asphalt for independent testing. These samples do not reflect on the specification conformance of the materials involved. IA evaluation will be on a system basis, focused on individuals testing activity rather than being project-based on a sample frequency and materials quantity basis.  top

Qualified Laboratory Program

WSDOT does not generally qualify outside private laboratories since all sampling and testing is performed with state forces.  In a few instances, design-built projects, or laboratories that brake concrete cylinders for us, are the only private laboratories that we use.

The main central laboratory in Tumwater is AASHTO accredited.  A region or other subordinate laboratory to be considered qualified shall meet the following conditions:

(1) Identify all test methods performed on a regular basis. Methods must conform to those established by WSDOT for materials acceptance.

(2) Annually, verify laboratory and field test equipment, using State Materials Laboratory equipment verification criteria.

(3) Maintain staff qualification for all methods performed in the laboratory. Qualification shall be either by Module Qualified Tester or Individual Method Qualified tester.

(4) Respond to the findings of the review program by the State Materials Laboratory staff, modeled on AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) inspection program. Such reviews shall be conducted at least biennially.

(5) With approval of the State Materials Engineer, a non-WSDOT contracting laboratories having an equipment calibration/verification policy, and a technician training and evaluation process meeting the requirements of AASHTO R-18 may be used to conduct acceptance testing. Documentation of equipment calibration/verification and tester qualification shall be maintained and available for review by the Contracting Agency upon request. The Contracting Agency may conduct an on site review of the laboratory facilities, witness the tester performing the tests, verify the testing equipment, and review records when deemed necessary.

Laboratory Reviews

Representatives of the main materials laboratory in Tumwater will conduct a biennial review of the region laboratories.   The objective of this review is to insure that the major portion of our quality control and testing program is being conducted consistent with written procedures and that test results are totally defensible.

A non-WSDOT laboratories contracting with WSDOT, or used for acceptance testing by a contractor is required to have an equipment calibration/verification policy, and a technician training and evaluation process meeting the requirements of AASHTO R-18. Documentation of equipment calibration/verification and tester qualification shall be maintained and available for review by the Contracting Agency upon request. The Contracting Agency may conduct an on site review of the laboratory facilities, witness the tester performing the tests, verify the testing equipment, and review records when deemed necessary.

The laboratory review will include an in-depth review of the qualifications records of the laboratory technicians and the equipment verification records for conformance with the Quality Systems Manual.  In addition to the technicians qualification and equipment verification records the review team will look at the overall laboratory operations such as availability of reference manuals, test records, etc.  The review will require testing  personnel to perform the tests as per the proper test method as stated in the Materials Manual, and will also verify the equipment being used.  As a general rule the tests that will be demonstrated will be those methods normally performed for acceptance testing.

The review will use checklists for the test methods developed by AASHTO, AMRL, CCRL, WSDOT or WAQTC.  top

Equipment Calibration/Verification Procedures

All equipment that is used for sampling and testing in both the regions and the main materials laboratory in Tumwater shall be verified and / or calibrated using established calibration verification procedures. 

A set of verification procedures has been developed reflecting the in-house practices, adopted, based on the referenced standards.  The Verification Procedures can be viewed at the office of the Washington State’s Department of Transportation Quality Systems Manager at:

Washington State Materials Laboratory
1655 S. 2^nd Ave., Tumwater WA, 98512
360-709-5411, Fax: 360-709-5588
E-mail HugheL@wsdot.wa.gov

Equipment Calibration/Verification Intervals

The equipment used in the main materials laboratory in Tumwater shall be calibrated/verified at the frequency required by AASHTO R-18.  

The equipment used in the region or field, shall be calibrated/verified annually and shall bear a tag indicating when the calibration or verification will expire.

Any equipment found out of calibration will not be used in testing until it has been repaired and in calibration.  Any defective equipment, which cannot be repaired, will be removed from the Lab and not used.  top

Calibrated/Verified Equipment

All equipment that is used for sampling and testing in main materials laboratory in Tumwater shall be verified and / or calibrated at the frequency required by AASHTO R-18.

The equipment used in the Region Laboratory and in the Field Laboratory for acceptance testing is required to be verified and / or calibrated annually, and shall bear a tag indicating when the calibration or verification will expire. It is the responsibility of the testing personnel (i.e., Module Qualified Testers, Method Qualified Testers, or Interim Qualified Testers and Independent Assurance Inspectors or laboratory foreman) to check all equipment for serviceability and conformance to the requirements of the test procedure. No equipment with an expired calibration or verification shall be used for testing.  The following is a list of the region and field equipment:

Aggregate Testing

Drying Ovens (AASHTO T-255, 265)
General Purpose Balances, Scales and Weights (AASHTO M-231)
Mechanical Sieve Shaker (AASHTO T-27)
Sand Equivalent Shaker (AASHTO T-176)
Sand Equivalent Weighted Foot Assembly (AASHTO T-176)
Sand Equivalent Irrigation Tube (AASHTO T-176)
Sieves (AASHTO M-92)
Thermometers
Timing Devices (AASHTO T-176)
Fine Aggregate Apparatus (AASHTO T-304)
Flat and Elongated Particle Shape Apparatus (ASTM D-4791)

Asphalt Testing

Drying Ovens (AASHTO T-255, 265, and WAQTC TM-6)
General Purpose Balances, Scales and Weights (AASHTO M-231)
Ignition Furnace (AASHTO T-308)
Mechanical Sieve Shaker (AASHTO T-30)
Sieves (AASHTO M-92)
Thermometer - ASTM 17C or 17F (AASHTO T-209)
Thermometer – drying temperature
Timing Devices
Vacuum System (AASHTO T-209)
Water Bath - if used (AASHTO T-209)
Pycnometer (AASHTO T-209)
Gyratory Compactor (AASHTO T-312)
Weighting Bath (AASHTO T-166)

Concrete Testing

Concrete Air Meters - Pressure gauge (AASHTO T-152)
Concrete Air Meters - Volumetric gauge (AASHTO T-152)
Cube Molds and Tamper (AASHTO T106 and WSDOT T-813) (no tag on tamper required)
General Purpose Balances, Scales and Weights (AASHTO M-231)
Rebound Hammer Type N (ASTM C-805)
Single Use Molds (AASHTO M-205) (no tag required)
Slump Cone and Rod (AASHTO T-119) (no tag on rod required)
Thermometer (AASHTO T-309)
Compression Testing Devise and associated equipment (AASHTO T-22, WSDOT T-802)
Beam Molds (WSDOT T-808)

Embankment and Base Density Testing

Drying Ovens (AASHTO T-255, 265)
General Purpose Balances, Scales and Weights (AASHTO M-231)
Manual Hammer (AASHTO T-99)
Mechanical Sieve Shaker (AASHTO T-27)
Maximum Density Devise (WSDOT T-606)
Nuclear Density Gauge (AASHTO T-310)
Sieves (AASHTO M-92)
Speedy Moisture Meter (AASHTO T-217)
Soil Mold (AASHTO T-99 and WSDOT T-606)
Straight Edge (AASHTO T-99)

Asphalt Pavement Density Testing

Nuclear Density Gauge (WAQTC TM-8)
Thermometer 
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Materials Manual

The 2002 edition of the Materials Manual has been significantly revised. It continues to use AASHTO, ASTM, WAQTC, and WSDOT test methods. The department is moving towards increasing use of AASHTO tests whenever possible.

The manual has retained its dual unit format. However, In most cases, the English units predominate with metric units in parenthesis. WSDOT has returned to using English units, but some contracts that are in the process are still in metric units.

This manual reflects the Quality System concerns of a Total Quality organization. It also considers the impact and consequences of the AASHTO Accreditation Program and its requirement on the Organization. The format of this manual adopted in 2000 has been well received. The manual continues to be organized in numerical test order similar to the AASHTO manuals. It also features two contents and an index.

The manual reflects a continuing policy of adopting “Consensus” standards wherever practical. Adoption of these, in the form of AASHTO, ASTM, WAQTC, or other nationally recognized standards eliminates much of the previous text, which merely recopied the national documents. By adopting these standards, we provide a common standard that can be used by neighboring states and other laboratories or organizations. Contractors, who work in more than one state, also benefit by having to conform with fewer unique tests.

The concept of “Field Operating Procedures” (FOP) is continued to support the work of Materials Testers at the Field or Project level. Full procedures are provided when WSDOT Test Methods apply, or we have adopted the full AASHTO procedure. Other cases, when a consensus standard (AASHTO, ASTM, or WAQTC) has been adopted, the FOP provides the essential performance elements for the field technician.

The WSDOT Materials Laboratory is responsible for establishing and managing all test procedures. For technical information or suggested changes to test methods or procedures, contact the 

WSDOT Materials Laboratory Quality Systems Manager
Mail: PO Box 47365, Olympia, WA 98504-7365
Shipping: 1255 South Second Avenue, Tumwater, WA 98512.
(360) 709-5411; fax (360) 709-5588. 

Strategic Direction

One of the Strategic Direction for the materials laboratory is to move towards using  AASHTO and ASTM wherever we can.   This is a two part goal: 

(1)  to use AASHTO, ASTM, or other national testing procedure; and

(2)  to work to change or add tests within AASHTO and ASTM to meet our needs.  top

Construction Manual

The Construction Manual is provided for our construction engineering personnel as a convenient guide to the objectives, procedures, and methods for construction administration of Washington State transportation projects.  This manual contains two kinds of instructions depending on the subject matter and the nature of the work.  In one case, where the activity is the inspection of contract work that is critical from a structural or operational viewpoint, the instructions prescribe detailed methods and procedures designed to assure the objective of a safe and adequate finished product.  In other cases, typically in the areas of documentation and payment, the instructions are limited to describing the necessary objectives of the work without specifying the methods or procedures.  The Construction Manual is intended as a reference book that is consistent with the language and intent of the Standard Specifications In order to use this reference effectively, it is essential that the user has a thorough understanding of the contract, contract plans, contract provisions, and the Standard Specifications, as well as this manual. 

Where specific methods and procedures are not included, the intent of the manual is to provide the project staff with a statement of the outcomes required and to allow the Region Construction Management and the Project Engineer to devise procedures accordingly.  Future work will develop a companion resource of good practices and recommended procedures for the consideration of these managers.  The manual provides basic guidance for identifying policies or laws that affect the construction administration work, however, the manual generally does not interpret these policies or laws.  Compliance with policies, laws, and regulations is the duty of the Project Engineer, who may call on others, especially those authorized to enforce laws and regulations, at any time for  assistance.  In order to respond to the many situations that may arise on different contracts with different types of work,  the guidance provided by this manual is general in character and is not to be construed as replacing, modifying, or superseding any of the provisions of the contract, contract plans, contract provisions, or Standard Specifications.

The tone of this manual is noticeably different from previous editions in that it affirms the philosophy of decision making at the appropriate levels.  With that decision-making authority comes responsibility to make good decisions. 

Comments about the manual are always welcome and will be considered in future updates.  top

WSDOT Publications Library

All of the manuals that WSDOT uses can be purchased at the Directional Documents and Engineering Publications office at (360) 705-7430 or viewed on-line using the Technical Manual Library.  top

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