Universal Engineering Sciences, Inc.

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. GII WELCOME TO UNIVERSAL The function of the construction materials testing and threshold inspection services is important to proper construction of buildings. Universal can provide unique insights and approaches to satisfy the intent of the threshold law and meet the specifications for materials testing. In this section, we describe our capabilities and approaches on both a general and a specific basis. PROJECT APPROACH . Universal typically provides construction materials testing and threshold inspection services as a package. While we can and do provide these services separately when requested, we feel there are advantages to the client in providing an integrated testing and inspection team for large projects. These include having a single point of contact responsible for quality assurance, simplified communications, and cost savings by reducing duplication of effort. Over the years, Universal has developed a flexible and responsive approach to providing testing and inspection services for threshold buildings. We will describe our general approach, but keep in mind that we tailor our approach to meet the needs of individual clients and projects. Project Staffing: As required by law, Universal assigns a registered Threshold Inspector to each project. The Threshold Inspector's charter is to determine if a building's structure is constructed in substantial compliance with the project plans and specifications. Depending on the project size, we assign one or more threshold agents and one or more materials testing technicians to help the Threshold Inspector. The personnel operate under the direct supervision of the Threshold Inspector. On a typical threshold inspection project, an agent of the Threshold Inspector conducts most inspections. This agent is specially trained and qualified to perform structural inspections. However, they remain under the direct control of the Threshold Inspector. By using threshold agents, we can save the client money while maintaining the quality of our inspections. Because we train our threshold agents in materials testing, they often fill both roles. In doing so, this reduces manpower requirements, thereby saving money. However, when construction requires the threshold agent to be in one place while materials testing is needed in another, then we supply one or more field technicians to perform the materials testing . in coordination with the threshold agent. When materials testing is required for non-structural elements, a field technician performs the tests without the threshold agent. This typically occurs during site work and utility construction. Finally, some specialty inspection work may be needed that the threshold agent cannot routinely handle. We have engineering technicians available for such items as non-destructive testing, batch plant inspections, and fabrication plant and pre-cast plant inspections. A specially certified technician provides these services. Level of Effort: Because not all projects require the same level of testing and inspection, we can vary our efforts to match the needs of the project. In general, we provide either full-time or part-time inspection and testing services. Structures that are very large or multi-storied typically require full-time inspection. In these projects, there are usually several construction activities going on that require the inspector to be available all the time, This is also true when building a simple project on a fast- track schedule. By having the inspector on-site full- time, there are no delays caused by waiting for inspections. When we assign an inspector to a project full-time, that project becomes his or her only responsibility. Moderate sized or single-story projects often only need part-time inspection and testing services. Construction is usually standard and only requires the inspector to be present at critical points. Examples of critical points would be before concrete placement or before covering up a structural element with wall boards. We often combine part-time inspection with materials testing, especially for cast-in-place concrete. Documentation: The quality of our inspection work is only valuable if the inspection and testing team keeps proper documentation. Our documentation for threshold projects includes Daily Inspection Reports, Materials Testing Reports, and Summary Reports. Every time a Universal Threshold Inspector or his agent visits a project site, they prepare a Daily Inspection Report. This report documents the progress of construction, the observations of the inspector, any discrepancies noted, any discrepancies corrected, and conversations with the construction team. Threshold / Private Provider Inspection and Plan Review Construction Materials Testing. Geophysical Services Environmental Sciences. Geotechnical En ineerin