Specification Chapter N contains requirements for quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) for structural steel and composite construction. Users should also refer to the Commentary of Specification Chapter N for additional information regarding these QC and QA requirements, which are applicable to work addressed in the Specification and are also applicable to the seismic force-resisting system (SFRS). This chapter adds requirements that are applicable only to the SFRS.
To ensure ductile seismic response, steel framing is required to meet the quality requirements as appropriate for the various components of the structure. The applicable building code may have specific quality assurance plan (QAP) requirements, also termed a “statement of special inspections.” The QAP should include the requirements of Chapter J.
Specification Section N6 permits waiver of QA when the fabricator or erector is approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to do the work without QA. Under the scope of the Provisions, QC is a requirement whether or not it is invoked. QA is a requirement when invoked by the AHJ, applicable building code, purchaser, owner, or engineer of record (EOR).
The Provisions, Specification, AISC Code of Standard Practice for Steel Buildings and Bridges (ANSI/AISC 303) (AISC, 2022a), AWD Structural Welding Code—Steel (AWS D1.1/D1.1M) (AWS, 2020), and the RCSC Specification for Structural Joints Using High-Strength Bolts (RCSC, 2020) provide inspection and acceptance criteria for steel building structures.
The QAP is typically prepared by the EOR and is a part of the contract documents. Chapter J provides the minimum acceptable requirements for a QAP that applies to the construction of welded joints, bolted joints, and other details in the SFRS. The EOR should evaluate what is already a part of the contractor’s quality control system in determining the quality assurance needs for each project. Where the fabricator’s quality control system is considered adequate for the project, including compliance with the special needs for seismic applications, the QAP may be modified to reflect this. Similarly, where additional needs are identified, such as for innovative connection details or unfamiliar construction methods, supplementary requirements should be specified, as appropriate. The QAP as contained in this chapter is recommended for adoption without revision because consistent application of the same requirements is expected to improve reliability in the industry.
The QAP should be provided to the fabricator and erector as part of the bid documents because any special quality control or quality assurance requirements may have a substantial impact on the cost and scheduling of the work.
Structural observation at the site by the EOR or other design professional is an additional component of a QAP that is not addressed as part of this chapter and should be developed based upon the specific needs of the project.
A QAP, similar to that required for all-steel structures, should be developed for composite structures and components. For the reinforced concrete portion of the work, in addition to the requirements in ACI 318 (ACI, 2019), Section 26.13, attention is called to the ACI Detailing Manual (ACI, 2020), with emphasis on the provisions of Guide for Concrete Construction Quality Systems in Conformance with ISO 9001 (ACI 121R) (ACI, 2008).