Black Eagle Consulting, Inc. (BEC) recently completed its biennial American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) inspection and ASSHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) certification update.
AMRL’s Laboratory Assessment Program (LAP) was established in 1966 to provide on-site assessments of laboratories that perform testing of materials used for construction and the preservation of roads and bridges.
BEC’s on-site assessment was performed over a five-day period covering approximately (50) testing procedures. Assessment began with an opening meeting, where the assessor reviewed the scope and schedule of the assessment with laboratory personnel. Next, BEC’s technical personnel demonstrated each test method while being closely observed by the Assessor. The apparatus associated with each test method was also examined for calibration and conformance to AASHTO and/or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requirements.
Additional on-site assessment involved a review of the laboratory’s quality management system, including the quality manual, for conformance to the requirements of the AASHTO AAP and AASHTO R 18.
At the conclusion of the assessment, BEC’s Materials Testing Division was recognized by the AMRL Assessor for their preparation and organization throughout the assessment process. Congratulations to the laboratory staff for a job well done!