Coffey Geosciences - QESTLab Laboratory Supervisor Training Course

	Scope The laboratory supervisor training course provides detailed instructions for the duties normally performed by laboratory supervisors and data entry personnel. It covers sample registration, billing, checking data input, test report signing and distribution. It also covers the duties of laboratory technicians - finding work to be done and entering raw test data. Audience The course is intended for staff at Coffey Geotechnical who normally perform the tasks of sample registration, billing, checking results, and signing and distributing test reports. This may vary depending on staffing arrangements at each laboratory and may include both laboratory supervisors and data entry personnel. Pre-requisites The course assumes a good knowledge of the various Australian and Road Authority standards for the sampling and testing of concrete, aggregates/soils and asphalt. It also assumes general computer skills and familiarity with Windows operating systems.

Course Structure
This training guide is covers five modules:

Getting Started with QESTLab
Concrete Testing
Soil Field Testing
Other Soil/Aggregate and Asphalt Testing
Billing ad Invoicing

Throughout the course there are activities () that you should complete to reinforce what you have learnt.

After completing the course this guide is intended to be used as a reference for the use of the QESTLab and should be considered a user guide taylored to the 'Laboratory Supervisor' role.

More user information for the QESTLab product can be found at online.spectraqest.com

All content and images (c) 2000-2006 Spectra Quality Engineering Software Tools. The information contained herein can not be reproduced, copied, altered or distributed to a third party without the explicit written consent of Spectra Quality Engineering Software Tools Pty Ltd.

GETTING STARTED WITH QESTLAB

This module covers the process of starting and logging on to QESTLab, and a description of the main screen in QESTLab.

By the end of this module users will be able to start and log on to QESTLab, change their password, have an understanding of the main screen in QESTLab, and use the QESTLab tree to navigate the main areas of QESTLab.

Suggested duration: 15 minutes

Connecting to the Server

The QESTLab application runs on servers in the Coffey Sydney office. You will be provided with a shortcut on your desktop that is used to connect to these machines.

Once you have connected to these machines and logged into Windows you can start the QESTLab.

Logging in to QESTLab

Step 1. To start QESTLab double click the QESTLab Client icon on the desktop.

Step 2. When QESTLab has loaded the QESTLab log in screen will appear. Enter your QESTLab login name and password provided to you by your QESTLab administrator.

The first-time password that is generated by the system by default is "QEST_password" (minus the quotes). You will be prompted to change this when you access QESTLab for the first time.

Changing your password

The first time you log in to QESTLab change your password to something known only to you.

Step 1. With QESTLab running click the Security menu then select Change Password.

Step 2. In the Old Password field type your current password.

In the New Password field type your new password. Re-enter your new password in the Confirm Password field.

Step 3. Click OK to save your new password.

Logging out

Logout and change user

It is possible to log a different user in to QESTLab without shutting down QESTLab and restarting.

Step 1. With QESTLab running click the Security menu then click Logout.

Step 2. To login another QESTLab user, click the Security menu then click Login.

The new user can then enter their username and password as normal.

NOTE:

1. If you are logged on and the computer that you are running QESTLab on is unattended then there is the possibilty that another person may use the computer to carry out work under your name. When not using QESTLab it is recommended that you either Logout off QESTLab or lock the computer.

2. While you are logged in the Audit Trail keeps a log of every action you make in QESTLab. This is a security feature that enables the tracking of every change made to every field in QESTLab. For this reason you must only work in QESTLab when logged on using your own account.

Close QESTLab

To close QESTLab down on your computer click the File menu then click Exit, or click on the X button in the top right corner of the QESTLab screen

Navigating QESTLab

QESTLab operates like Windows Explorer. There is a left hand and a right hand window. Navigation in QESTLab is done using the tree in the left hand window.

The QESTLab tree

Notice the names of the nodes in the tree. Each node allows the user to manage a different area in QESTLab. For example, the Samples node is used to register samples in QESTLab.

The QESTLab tree will look different for users with different levels of permissions in QESTLab. If a user does not have access to a particular area in QESTLab, that node will not be displayed in the tree. For example, if you do not have rights to modify clients in QESTLab you will not see the clients node in the tree. The image below shows all the possible nodes in the QESTLab tree.

Below is a brief description of the different areas in the tree.

Clients	Users with sufficient rights may add, remove and maintain details for all your customers in this area.
Projects	Add, remove and maintain the list of projects your organisation is working on.
Work Orders	Work orders are a convenient way to register a group of samples. They are similar to a test request. Select the work orders node to register and search for work orders.
Samples	Individual samples are registered and displayed under the samples node. Select the samples node to register or search for samples.
Tests/Documents	Select the tests/documents node to search for tests, test reports, or documents other than work orders or samples. Expand this node to see the filters that can be used to search for various documents in QESTLab.
Billing	When invoices are raised they are displayed under the billing node.
Equipment	Equipment is registered in QESTLab and displayed under the equipment node. Expand the equipment node to see the different types of equipment that can be registered in QESTLab.
Lists	QESTLab lists allow you to maintain lists of commonly used items, such as concrete plants, aggregate/soil materials, tester names, and many others. This makes data entry faster and simpler. Lists are displayed and maintained under the lists node.
Reports and Charts	This area is used to create and run reports and charts for quality control or other management functions.
Specification	Specifications are used to set acceptable limits for test results. They are created and maintained under the specifications node.

The QESTLab tree can be hidden by clicking on the Show/Hide Tree button in the toolbar.

Laboratories

The Lab dropdown box above the tree shows the labs to which you have access.

The global lab

Most users will have access to only one laboratory. In this case you will see this lab plus the (global) lab. The global lab contains data (generally clients, plus other data) that needs to be available to all labs.

Note that if you change the lab selected in the Lab dropdown box the tree will change. If you notice that the tree looks unfamiliar or nodes are missing check that you have your lab selected and not the (global) lab.

Accessing more than one lab

If you have been granted rights to more than one laboratory you will see these labs in the Lab dropdown box. Select a laboratory to restrict the data shown in QESTLab to that lab. (all) will also be shown in the laboratory list. Selecting a lab of (all) simply displays information for all laboratories that the user has access to.

Notice that if all laboratories is chosen, then the tree will group items by laboratory, as shown below for the Lists.

This functionality can be turned off by clicking the Show/hide lab nodes button on the toolbar. If this is de-selected then information is not grouped by laboratory.

Filters

Filters are a way of searching for documents in QESTLab, such as samples, test reports, or invoices. Filters are displayed in the left hand window underneath the QESTLab tree. Filters are included with QESTLab and new ones may be created as required by your QESTLab administrator.

Since different filters are used to search for different things, notice that a different filter appears in the filters area depending on which node is selected in the QESTLab tree.

Activity - start, logon, navigate QESTLab Connect to the Sydney server. Start the QESTLab program. Logon using your QESTLab user ID. Your QESTLab user ID has the format firstname_lastname. Logoff from QESTLab, without shutting down QESTLab (using the 'Security menu) Log back on to QESTLab. Click on each node in the QESTLab tree. Notice any change in toolbar buttons, and the filter area below the tree.

CONCRETE TESTING

Registering concrete samples

This module covers the process of registering a group of concrete samples, called a concrete sample group in QESTLab. It describes all the screens in detail.

By the end of this section users should be able to register a concrete sample group. They should also be able to include a billing document for the capturing of billing information for the sample, and a concrete test report to report the test results.

Suggested duration: 30 minutes

Overview

Concrete samples are added and displayed in the QESTLab tree under the Samples node.

There are two main documents (screens) for concrete testing in QESTLab - the concrete sample group document and the concrete sample document.

The concrete sample group level contains, as the name suggests, information that is applicable to a group of concrete samples taken from the same project on a particular day. This includes the client, project and date cast, as well as other information.
The concrete sample document stores the actual fieldsheet data for that sample, and the test data for each of the specimens in that sample.

In the QESTLab tree the concrete sample group is displayed with the concrete sample(s) 'hanging' off. In the example the concrete sample group is highlighted and shows the client, project and date cast. There is only one concrete sample in the example, but there may be many concrete samples, one for each fieldsheet for that project for that day. It is shown with the fieldsheet number, plant, time sampled, and mix.

Notice the two other documents displayed at the same level as the concrete sample document. These document are the concrete test report document, and the QESTLab billing document. These are normally added whenever a concrete sample group is registered. The concrete test report is used to report concrete test results, and the billing document is used to store charges associated with the sample, for inclusion on an invoice at the end of the month.

The advantage of having two documents is that the concrete sample group allows information common to all samples to be entered once, billed once, and reported on the same test report.

Registering a concrete sample group

To register a concrete sample group follow the steps below:

Step 1. Select the Samples node in the tree, and click the New sample button .

Step 2. The Add Sample(s) and Document(s) window is displayed. To add a concrete sample group, select Concrete Sample Group from the Type of Sample to be added.

Step 3. In the Select group(s) area, select the concrete sample group as shown above, or select individually the documents to be added to the sample. Users with sufficent rights will also be able to create, edit and delete document groups at this screen.

Note that if a document is not listed on this screen then your organisation is not licensed for that document. If a document appears but is greyed out then your user account does not have rights to view or edit that document.

In order to generate charges for the sample a billing document must be added when registering a concrete sample group. For more details on billing see Billing and Invoicing. In order to report test results a concrete test report must be added. For more detail on reporting test results see the article Concrete testing - the test report.

Step 4. Select the laboratory at which you wish to register the sample. (This selection will be disabled if the laboratory context has been established in the QESTLab tree.)

Step 5. Leave the Sample ID field blank to automatically create a sample ID using the QESTLab sample counter.

Step 6. To copy an existing sample click the Copy details from existing sample drop down list. This lists all concrete sample groups for the selected laboratory in the QESTLab database. Select a sample to copy if required. Note that for large databases it may take up to a minute to populate this list. The exact fields that will be copied to the new sample is defined in the QEST Administrator Console by a user with QESTLab administrator rights.

Step 7. Click OK to add the new sample. The selected documents will appear in the QESTLab tree below the concrete sample group as shown below.

Note the hierachical arrangement of the concrete sample. The concrete sample group document (highlighted) appears first and the concrete sample, billing, and test report documents all 'hang' off the concrete sample group.

Note the concrete sample group document (highlighted) in the tree displays the sample number assigned using the concrete sample counter, but the client, and project and date cast are not yet populated. Similarly the concrete sample does not yet display the fieldsheet number, plant or other details in the tree. These will be displayed when the concrete sample group document and the concrete sample document are completed.

The concrete sample group document

The next step in the registration is to complete the fields in the concrete sample group document. The concrete sample group document provides a means of entering information that applies to many concrete samples (fieldsheets).

Completing the concrete sample group document

Step 1. Select the concrete sample group document in the tree.

Step 2. The concrete sample group document is displayed in the right hand window. Some customers have requested their own customised version of this document which may look slightly different to the example below.

Any field with a button can be selected from a list. For fields with two boxes, either select the item from the list or enter the code in the first box and press Enter on the keyboard.

Select a client and project and enter the date cast, date received, and moisture cure time. The remaining fields can be completed if required. Remarks appear on the concrete test report in the remarks box at the bottom of the report as shown below.

The concrete sample document

The last step in the registration process is to complete each concrete sample document in the concrete sample group. The concrete sample document contains the fieldsheet data and the details of each specimen.

Completing the fieldsheet data

Step 1. Click on the concrete sample document in the tree.

Step 2. The concrete sample document in displayed in the right hand window. Again, this document may look slightly different to the example below.

Step 2. Enter the following data:

The unique fieldsheet number.
The grade, this will automatically populate the F'c field.
Select the name of the person who did the sampling in the Sampled By drop down box.

The remaining data on this screen is optional. Each field is described in the table below.

Fieldsheet	The unique fieldsheet number. The fieldsheet number must be unique and can be the number from a pre-printed fieldsheet or simply a sequential number managed by the laboratory.
Time Batched	Time, in 24 hour format, that the batch of concrete was batched. Any format is acceptable. eg 1200, 12.00, 12:00, 12, 12a, 12 pm, etc.
Time Sampled	Time, in 24 hour format as above, that this sample was taken.
On Site
Sampled By	Select the name, or enter the code, of the person who took the sample. Populated from the QESTLab Sampled by list.
Grade	Grade of the concrete in this sample. eg N32. The grade is used to populate the F'c.
F'c	Design strength of the concrete. Automatically populated from the grade. eg 32. The F'c is used to calculate which specimens have failed strength testing.
Plant	Select the name, or enter the code, of the plant that batched the concrete. Populated from the QESTLab Concrete plant list.
Mix	The mix code of the mix in the batch.
Max Agg	The size of the maximum aggregate in the mix.
Supplier	The concrete supplier for the plant selected in the Plant field. The supplier field is populated with the supplier name entered in the concrete plant list for this plant.
Design Slump	The design slump of the mix.
Meas. Slump (initial)	The measured slump before additives.
Meas. Slump (final)	The measured slump after additives.
Truck	The reference number of the truck that delivered the batch of concrete associated with this docket number.
Docket No.	Docket (ticket) number for the batch.
Batch No.	Batch number for the batch.
Water Added Before/After Test (WABT/WAAT)	Check the relevant box to display the litres field, and enter the amount in litres.
Weather	The weather at sampling time. Populated from the QESTLab Weather list.
Temperature Air/Concrete	Air/concrete temprature at time of sampling.
Compaction	Select the concrete compaction method. Populated from the QESTLab Concrete compaction method list.
Sampling Method	The sampling test method number used for this sample.
Conditioning
Load	The size of the concrete load in the batch.
Prog Load
Sampling Location	Select the sampling location.
Location	Enter details of the location if required.
Remarks	Enter remarks regarding the sample if required.

Step 3. Slump only tests

If the sample was taken for slump testing only, and no specimens are to be added, tick the Slump Only box to identify the sample as a slump only sample.

Note that this will only register as one slump test when charges are generated later. If you wish to charge for more than one slump test you can manually alter this in the billing document later.

Step 4. Registering concrete specimens

To register and display the specimens for this sample select a test group from the Test Group drop down box. Test groups are setup by a QESTLab administrator in the concrete test groups list. They contain commonly added groups of specimens and are used to save time during sample registration. Note that once a test group is selected and the sample is saved, the test group field is hidden and no longer available for selection.

Alternately specimens may be added manually, without selecting a test group, by simply entering the number of specimens in the No. field. Also, note that even if specimens are added using a test group, extra specimens may be added by increasing the number in the No. box.

Step 5. The concrete specimens are shown below the fieldsheet information. Notice that much of the data has been completed for each specimen. This is contained in the concrete test group.

If this is correct then the process of sample registration is complete.

The concrete specimen grid

Each field in the concrete specimen area is explained below. Note that the test data and results fields are only shown when the relevant checkbox is ticked.

You may make changes to the data that was entered as part of the concrete test group in this area. Test data can also be entered here, although it is generally entered elsewhere using an electronic version of the daily worksheet to enter data for all specimens tested that day.

The important fields are highlighted in bold.

The specimen details fields

Specimen ID	Consists of the fieldsheet number and the ID of the specimen (A,B,C etc). Identifies the specimen on the concrete test report.
Type	The test to be performed on the specimen. eg COMP100, FLEX150, etc. Note that the type selected determines the measurement columns that are displayed. Different columns will be displayed for different test types.
ID	A letter used to identify each specimen in a sample (A,B,C etc).
Client ID	The client specimen ID if required.
Age	The age of the specimen, in days, at which the test must be conducted. The age may be changed by typing a different age in this field. Note this will change the test date.
Test Date	The test date for the specimen. This is automatically calculated from the date cast on the concrete sample group screen, and the specimen age.
Std Cure	The standard cure. Leave blank or enter one of the three following options: number of days, A for air cured, or S for site cured. Reported on the concrete test report.
Mould	The identifying number of the mould used for this specimen.
Spec Locn	The location of the specimen in the curing room or water tank.
Cap	Type of cap used in testing. The cap is reported on the concrete test report.
Fc	The F'c of the mix.
Marks	Record significant marks on the specimen. The marks are reported on the concrete test report.
Print	Select Yes or No to determine whether the test results for this specimen will appear on the test report.
Charge	Select Yes or No to determine whether the charge for this specimen will be included in the automatic generation of charges for this sample.
Charge to Plant	Select Yes or No to determine whether this specimen will be charged to the plant instead of the client for this sample group. This requires that the plant have an entry in the QESTLab client list.
Extern Samp	Select Yes if the specimen was sampled externally.

The test data fields

Enure the Show Test\Raw Data box is ticked to display the test data columns.

The test data columns appear between the Cap and Density columns, and also include the Test Time and Age Hours columns. Note that the measurement columns that appear depend on the type of specimen selected in the Type column.

Measurement columns	The measurements for the relevant dimensions of each specimen type (ie. Dia1, Dia2, Dia3, Len, Len1, Len2, Wid, Wid1, Wid2, Dep, Dep1, Dep2, Spn, Height). Note that only the relevant dimension fields will be shown, for each specimen type. Also not that the average of the two measurements (eg Dia1 and Dia2) is reported on the concrete test report along with the other measurement (eg Height).
Weight	The weight of the specimen in kgs.
Load	The load on the test machine in kNs. The density and strength results that are reported on the concrete test reports are calculated using the measurement, weight and load results above.
Extern Crush	Select Yes if the specimen was crushed externally.
Test Time	The test time in 24 hour format.
Age Hours	The specimen age in hours, calculated from the test time.

The results fields

Tick Show Results to display the result columns.

Dens	The density calculated from the test data and reported on the concrete test report.
Strgth	The strength calculated from the test data and reported on the concrete test report. The type of strength reported on the test report varies for diferent test types (eg compressive strength for COMP tests, modulus of rupture for FLEX tests, etc).
Prd Str	Predicted strength. If the QESTLab is integrated with QESTMix then the system can predict the acceptance age strength of an earlier age specimen. Note that this field is not visible for some specimen types.
Wet Dens	Optional entry of Wet density result.
Failure Mode	the failure mode for each specimen. A list of possible failure modes is maintained by a QESTLab administrator in the QESTLab concrete failure mode list. There are two important implications of choosing a failure mode. The first is that some failure modes will result in the exclusion of this result from sample average calculations. The second is that for some failure modes the specimen is considered complete. The failure mode is reported on the concrete test report.
Measured By	The name of the person who measured this specimen.
Crushed By	The name of the person who crushed this specimen.
Checked By	The name of the person who checked the results for this specimen.

Activity - register a concrete sample group Register a concrete sample group including one sample, a billing document and a concrete test report. Use the document group Concrete Testing Complete the fields in the concrete sample group document and the concrete sample document. Data will be provided in your training course.

Finding work to be done

This module covers the process of finding concrete specimens due for testing.

By the end of this module users will be able to use a QESTLab report to print a daily worksheet of all specimens due for testing on a particular day. The will also be able to use a filter to display the electronic worksheet for the day's testing. They will also be able to search by sample ID and fieldsheet number.

Suggested duration: 15 minutes

Printing a daily worksheet

Follow the steps below to print a daily worksheet for all specimens due for testing on a particular date. Note that the daily worksheet report can be modified by your QESTLab admininstrator, so the name and layout of the report may be slightly different to that presented here.

Step 1. Expand the Reports node in the QESTLab tree. All reports are displayed in this area. Select the daily worksheet report. In the example it is called Concrete Compression Worksheet and found in a group called Concrete Testing. This may be different in your laboratory.

Step 2. The filter is displayed in the QESTLab filter area below the tree. Enter the required test date, or select the date using the calender. Click the Refresh button to run the report.

Step 3. The worksheet is displayed in the right hand window. An example is shown below.

Click the Print button in the toolbar to print the worksheet.

Activity - print a daily worksheet Using the report Concrete Compressive Worksheet produce a daily worksheet for the date provided by your trainer. Print the daily worksheet to your default printer. Enter the raw test data on the worksheet, provided by your trainer.

Using the electronic worksheet

QESTLab provides an electronic worksheet for entering test data for all specimens for a particular date, regardless of project. The electronic worksheet may be used to enter data directly into QESTLab during testing or to enter data written on a printed daily worksheet.

Step 1. Expand the Tests/Documents node in the tree and select the filter Concrete Compression Tests. Note that this is not the daily worksheet discussed earlier, which is found under the Reports area in the tree.

Step 2. The Concrete Compression Tests filter is displayed in the data filter area.

Notice that the date defaults to Today. If a different date is required enter the date or use the calendar to select the date. You may also limit the search further by entering a sample ID or a fieldsheet ID. Run the filter by clicking the Refresh button .

Step 3. The specimens are displayed in the tree, grouped by test type. Note that this grouping may be slightly different for your organisation.

Step 4. Click on the test type node in the tree (eg. click on COMP100). The specimens are displayed in the right hand window ready for data entry.

Searching for concrete samples using the sample or fieldsheet ID

You may also want to search for particular concrete samples rather than displaying the electronic worksheet for specimen data entry. To do this follow the steps below:

Step 1. Select the Samples node in the tree.

Step 2. In the filter area, select either Concrete Samples or the Concrete Sample Groups filter.

.

Step 3. Enter a sample ID, fieldsheet ID or other search criteria and run the filter by clicking the Refresh button . The samples will be displayed in the tree

Activity - produce an electronic worksheet Search by date Using the filter Concrete Compression Tests, produce an electronic worksheet for the date provided by your trainer. Specimens on this worksheet come from several different fieldsheets. Notice how many fieldsheets are represented on this worksheet? Search by fieldsheet number Using the same filter, produce an electronic worksheet using the fieldsheet ID provided by your trainer. Search by sample ID Using the same filter, produce an electronic worksheet for using the sample ID provided by your trainer.

Entering raw test data

This module covers the process of entering raw test data for concrete testing. By the end of this section users should be able to enter test data either during testing, or afterwards using the printed worksheet. They should be able to record which technician did the measuring and which technician did the crushing.

Suggested duration: 30 minutes

For a full description of each specimen field, see the previous section on The Concrete Specimens. Note that many of the specimen fields have already been entered for the specimens. This was done during sample registration. Enter the test data as follows:

Step 1. Tick the Show Raw Data box to display the test data columns in the worksheet.

Step 2. Enter the measurements, weight and load results for each specimen. Press ENTER on your keyboard to move from one cell to the next. There is no need to click in each cell using the mouse.

The strength and density results for each specimen will be calculated and displayed in the grid. If a strength result is less than the F'c the result is highlighed in red.

Step 3. Enter the test time for each specimen. The age in hours will be calculated and automatically populated.

Step 4. By default the failure mode will typically be set to 'N' (Normal). If the failure was not normal then you can use an alternative letter designation as per the 'Failure Mode List'. For example 'S' for Shear, 'A' for Abnormal, etc.

Step 5. Optionally you may select the QESTLab user who measured and crushed the specimen in the Measured By and Crushed By fields.

Test results calculated by QESTLab

When raw test data is entered QESTLab calculates the following results:

The density and strength result for each specimen.
Sample average strength/densty - The average strength and density results for specimens of a certain type and age are calculated and stored in the database (eg. the average 28 day strength for COMP100 specimens). This is done for each sample.
Pair difference - The difference in strength and density results between two specimens of the same type and age is calculated and stored for each sample.

The sample average and pair difference calculations are done for predetermined ages present in a sample. (Typically, 7,28,56 and 90 day). If these differences exceed tolerances (as per AS1379 for Australia) then the results are highlighted in red.

It is important to realise that data entered for specimens on the electronic worksheet is stored with that sample and reported on the concrete test report. The worksheet is simply a convenient way to enter data for multiple samples.

Activity - complete an electronic worksheet Using the printed worksheet above, enter the raw test data into the electronic worksheet. Enter the current time as the test time. Notice any failed specimens. Mark the specimens as measured and crushed by yourself.

Checking concrete test results

This module covers the checking of concrete test results and signing of concrete test reports.

By the end of this section users with sufficient rights should be able to use a filter to display concrete test results that are complete and ready for checking, and then mark them as checked.

Users should also be able to use a filter to display concrete test reports that are ready for signing, and sign them either individually or as a group.

Suggested duration: 10 minutes

Overview

Most authorities require that the test results are checked, often by a different technician than the one who performed the work. In QESTLab, checked documents can only be changed by users with QESTLab laboratory supervisor rights.

Checking results

Step 1. Use a filter, such as Concrete Compressive Testing to bring up the electronic worksheet with the days testing. Note that this filter may be named differently in your organisation.

Step 2. Click on the Checked By button to mark all the completed specimens displayed as checked. Alternately mark specimens individually using the Checked By drop down list for each specimen.

Note that any incomplete specimens will not be marked as checked. A specimen is considered complete when it has a strength result or a Mark or Failure Mode with a corresponding entry in the Concrete specimen marks or Concrete failure mode lists that has been flagged to be considered Complete. For example a specimen that is destroyed on site may be marked with an X and should be considered complete, even though a strength result can not be determined.

Also note that if you have just checked later day specimen results (eg. 28day), and the concrete test report has already been issued for earlier results, then the test report will need to be un-signed and re-signed for the newly checked results to appear.

Activity - checking concrete test results Use the filter Concrete Compression Tests to display concrete test results. Use the date provided by your trainer. Mark all results as checked using the Checked By button.

Signing and distributing concrete test reports

This module covers the signing and distribution of concrete test reports

By the end of this section users with sufficient rights should be able to use a filter to display concrete test reports that are ready for signing, and sign them either individually or as a group.

They should then be able to distibute them either by printing the report or by saving the report as a .PDF file, or by emailing the .PDF file directly from QESTLab.

Suggested duration: 20 minutes

Overview

Once test results have been checked they are ready to be signed. In order to sign a report a user requries QESTLab signatory rights for all the test results shown on the test report.

When a test report has been signed any document with results appearing on that test report is read only.

Sign test reports

Step 1. Display the required test reports using a filter to display test reports, such as the Concrete test reports filter. Note that this filter may by named differently in your organisation.

Step 2. Enter a test date or a sample ID and click the Refresh button.

Step 3. All the test reports returned by the filter will be displayed in the tree.

Step 4. To display a test report click on it in the tree. The test report will be displayed in the right hand window.

The concrete test report is described in detail below. Each test report can be displayed and checked before being signed and issued.

Step 5. When test reports have been reviewed sign them all by selecting the Tests/Documents node, then clicking on the button on the toolbar. Note that this button is only available when the Tests/Documents node is selected, and not when one of the test reports is selected.

Alternately each test report may be signed individually. To sign an individual test report select it in the tree, then click on the checkbox at the bottom left of the document.

To sign a test report but leave it non-endorsed tick the Non-endorsed box at the bottom right of the test report before signing. The accreditation logo is not shown on non-endorsed reports.

Once a test report has been signed the sample and all related data is read only for all users regardless of Lab Supervisor or other rights. If a change needs to be made then a signatory needs to un-sign the test report by clearing the check box. The change can then be made and the report re-signed.

The only exception to this rule is that, even after the test report has been signed, concrete specimen tests that have not yet been checked can be entered/modified. This exception allows for the recording of later age results (eg. 28 days) where a test report has already been issued for an earlier age (eg. 7 days). However, even once the later age result is entered and checked it will not appear on the test report until the repot has been un-signed and re-signed.

The concrete test report

The test report header

All test reports in QESTLab share the same header. Note that many of the fields shown below are only visible once the test report is signed.

The following fields can be customised using the QEST Administrator Console if required.

Laboratory Logo - The logo for each laboratory is set in the QEST Administrator Console, under Laboratories > Internal.
Accreditation Logo - The default is the NATA logo. This may be changed for users in countries other than Australia.
Accreditation Text - The default text is shown. This can be replaced by entering your preferred text in the Accreditation Text option in the QEST Administrator Console.
Endorsment Text - The default text is shown. This can be replaced by entering your preferred text in the NATA Endorsement Text option. If the test report is marked as Non-endorsed prior to signing then no text will display. The user must specify their preferred text in the Non Endorsed Text option.
Approved Signatory - By default the text "Approved Signatory" precedes the name and title of the user who has signed the test report. This text can be replaced by entering your preferred text in the Approved Signatory option.
Laboratory Details - These are set in the QEST licence file and can only be modified by Spectra QEST.
Client and Project Details - Check the Specify client and project checkbox to display a different client and project on the test report to the one set in the sample.

The concrete test results

Results are grouped by test type (eg. cylinders, grout cubes).
The Details of sampled concrete section contains fieldsheet data.
The Concrete specimens and results section contains specimen data and results.

Activity - signing test reports Use the filter Concrete Test Reports to display concrete test reports by date. The date will be provided by your trainer. Select the first test report in the list to display it, then sign the report by ticking the signed box. Sign the remaining test reports as a group, using the Batch Sign Reports button.

Distribute test reports

Test reports may be distibuted by:

Printing.
Emailing as an Adobe Acrobat (*.PDF). file.
Saving as an Adobe Acrobat (*.PDF) file to be emailed later.

Printing test reports

Step 1. Use a filter, such as Concrete Test Reports, to search for concrete test reports by date or sample, as described above.

Step 2. When all test reports have been signed, click the Print button to print all test reports. Alternately select an individual test report, and click the print button to print that report only.

Emailing test reports

Step 1. Use a filter, such as Concrete Test Reports, to search for concrete test reports by date or sample, as described above.

Step 2. When all test reports have been signed, select the Tests/Documents node in the tree and click the Publish button . This will prompt QESTLab to email all the displayed test reports. If an individual test report is selected then only that report will be emailed.

Step 3. The Batch Email window is displayed. Click OK.

Step 4. The Email Details window is displayed. Ensure the PDF Format button is selected, and enter the email address(s) for this project.

Saving a test report as a .PDF file

This option only applies to individual test reports.

Step 1. Click on an individual test report in the tree.

Step 2. Click the Export to File button [Image:buttons pdf button.png]].

Step 3. Browse to the location to save the file, enter a file name.

Step 4. Select Save as type Adobe Acrobat (*.PDF).

Step 5. Click Save to save the report. The file can be emailed or printed when required.

Activity - distributing concrete test reports Click on the Tests/Documents node in the tree. Use the filter Concrete Test Reports to display concrete test reports that have been signed and not distributed. Click on the first report in the list. Print this report. Click on the second report. Save this report to your desktop as a .PDF file. Click on the Tests/Documents node and email all reports.

SOILS FIELD TESTING

Registering work orders

This module covers the process of registering a group of soil field testing samples. In QESTLab this is done using a work order, which is equivalent to a test request or work request.

By the end of this section users should be able to register a group of field samples as a work order, with all the necessary tests to be condutcted on the samples. As part of the registration process they should also be able to register a billing document and test report documents with the work order.

Suggested duration: 30 minutes

Overview

Field soil samples are registered in QESTLab using a work order. A work order is simply a group of field soil samples taken for a particular client and project on a particular date. It is equivalent to a "test request" or a "work request".

The advantage of registering samples using a work order is that it simplifies the process of registering, reporting, certifying and billing samples:

All the samples in a work request can be registered at once, and information common to all samples entered only once, at the work order level.
All samples in the work request can be billed at once.
All test results can be checked on the same screen, and reported on the same test report.

Work orders are added and displayed under the Work Orders node in the QESTLab tree.

Registering soil field samples using a work order

Adding the work order

Step 1. Select the Work Orders node in the QESTLab tree, and click on the New work order button .

The Add Work Order window is displayed.

Step 2. Complete the fields in the add work order screen as follows.

Laboratory	Ensure the correct laboratory is selected. If you have rights to only one laboratory the laboratory field will be automatically populated and locked.
Work Order ID	This MUST be left blank. A work order ID will then be created automatically
View	Leave the default view, or you may choose a different view to display the work order
Document Group	You may leave this blank. Note the documents listed in the lower window of the 'Add Work Order' screen. A document group is simply a way of adding one or more of these documents without having to select each document individually. If your system administrator has created document groups select one here, otherwise leave this blank.
Documents	If a document group was not selected above, tick each document to add along with this work order. eg. for a Hilf test select the Field Density:Hilf Density Ratio - Test Report and the $Billing document, for a dry density select the Dry Density Ratio test report and the Billing document.

Step 3. Click OK to register the work order. Notice the two different views of the new workorder:

The new work order is displayed under the work order node in the tree, with the associated documents are displayed underneath the work order.
The work order screen is displayed in the right hand window. This work order screen will be used for bulk entry of sample and test data.

Populating the work order

Step 1. Complete the details of the work order as shown below.

Client Request ID	Enter the customer's test request number.
Lot No.	Enter the road project lot number.
TRN	Enter the test request number.
Sampled By	Select the name, or type the code, of the techician who took the samples. These names are stored in the QESTLab sampled by list.
Customer Requirements	Optional. Select a text description of the requirements that the tests need to meet. Typically the compaction requirements according to a standard or modified density. These are stored in the the QESTLab customer requirements list.
Location	The location details for the project you selected above. This is stored in the QESTLab project list.

Step 2. Select the sample type - production, roadworks or general. The type selected here will determine the fields shown on the report. For roadworks testing choose 'Roadworks'. This is discussed in more detail below.

Step 3. Select a test group from the Test Group drop down list. This will add the tests to be done on the samples in this work order. Test groups are similar to the document groups mentioned earlier, and contain commonly added groups of tests. They are created by a QESTLab administrator. Select an appropriate group for this workorder.

The example below shows a typical hilf work order. To register a dry density work order simply select an the equivalent Dry Density test group.

Step 4. The sample and tests are displayed underneath the work order details.

Click the button to minimise the sample details in order to see all the tests.

Step 5. In the Number of Samples box enter the number of samples in the work order and press ENTER on the keyboard.

Step 6. The samples are added as columns on the work order screen. Notice that some sample data is populated from the work order data entered earlier.

To complete the sample registration process expand the Aggregate/Soil Sample section of the work order screen and enter the sample data.

There are several things to note:

Field sample ID: this is auto incremented. It may be overtyped.

Client Sample ID: if this is entered it replaces the field sample ID on the report.

GPS data not obtainable: must be set to true if you do not have GPS data for this sample. Otherwise you cannot leave this screen.

Sample type: note the roadworks details in the bottom section of the sample area. The fields shown here are determined by the type of sample selected in the work order section. If a sample type of 'General' or 'Production' was chosen the fields here would be different.

Entering field density data

Now that the work order is registered, field data may be entered.

For some tests the test data can be entered, for all samples, on the work order screen. The Nuclear Field Density test is one of these. Expand this test by clicking on the button next to the Nuclear Field Density test. Enter the field data for each sample. Note that inital fields (down to Probe Depth A) only need to be entered on the first sample and will be replicated on the remaining samples by just pressing Enter.

The process of entering initial moisture content data is the same for both hilf and dry density tests.

Entering moisture content data

Initial moisture content data can then be entered. This is the same for both hilf and dry density work orders.

Entering oversize data

Hilf

Oversize data is entered on the work order screen , in the Hilf ratio sectionas shown below.

Dry Density

Enter oversize data on the work order screen under the Relative compaction section as shown.

Note that the Mass of wet soil, rock, container field MUST have a value greater than zero entered in order to make the final results calculate later. If there is no oversize material you can simply enter any non-zero number in this field.

Entering compaction data

If your compaction data is ready at this time you can enter this now. Compaction data must be entered on the relevant compaction worksheet for each sample.

Hilf

To enter hilf compaction data follow the steps below.

Step 1. Select the Hilf Ratio worksheet in the tree.

Step 2. The worksheet is displayed in the right hand window. Enter the data as shown in the example.

Note:

The mould mass and volume can be stored with each piece of equipment and brought in to this screen when the equipment is selected. If you wish to store the mould mass ensure that you set a calibration schedule to check the mass as this may change.
Out of specification equipment is highlighted in red.
The Chart tab shows the graph for this sample.

Step 3. Repeat this process to enter compaction data for each sample in the work order.

Dry Density

Again, compaction data must be entered in the worksheet. The work order screen only shows the final results. To enter MDD data follow the steps below.

Step 1. By default the MDD is applied to each sample. If this is not the case then first expand the Maximum Dry Density section of the work order, and untick the samples that will not have an MDD performed on them.

Step 2. To enter MDD data in the MDD worksheet select the MDD node in the tree for the sample above.

Step 3. Enter available MDD data in the worksheet.

Step 4. On the work order screen import these results into each sample by selecting the MDD sample as shown below.

Note that if the MDD comes from another work order the sample number may be manually typed in here.

At this point the remaining test data will normally have to wait until the next day to be entered.

Activity - register a work order Register a new work order. Add a billing document and a Field Density - Dry Density Ratio test report. Complete the data in the work order. Data will be provided by your trainer. Add tests to the work order using the test group AS Field Density:Std Compaction Add three samples to the work order. Complete the data in each sample.

Finding work to be done

This module covers the process of finding testing work to be done for the typical tests done for soil density testing.

By the end of this module users will be able to search for a work order in order to use the bulk test data entry facility on the work order screen. They will also be able to search for specific test documents in order to use the custom electronic worksheets for data entry of more complex tests such as the maximum dry density test.

Suggested duration: 15 minutes

Overview

Technicians searching for testing work to be done have several options. They can search for:

Work orders - you can search for all work orders for a particular project, date range or other criteria. You can also use the work order ID to bring up a particular work order. Test data may then be entered for all the samples in this work order.
Specific Tests - instead of searching for each work order, you can search for all instances of a particular test, such as all incomplete moisture contents, that are waiting to be done. This will display all these tests, regardless of which job they belong to.

The method for searching is optional and may vary between laboratories.

Activity - search for a work order Using the default sample filter, find a work order using the work order ID provided in your training course. Some test results can be entered directly into the work screen. On the work order screen enter the test results provided for the test Nuclear field density [RTA T173].

Searching for test documents

QESTLab comes with several useful filters that allow you to search for all instances of specific test documents (eg. Moisture Content documents). These filters are found under the Tests/Documents node in the tree.

Useful filters here include:

Moisture completion - returns incomplete moisture tests.
Hilf density tests - returns incomplete hilf density tests.
Maximum dry density tests - returns incomplete MDD tests.

Note that these filters will run immediately they are clicked and do not required any search criteria. Other filters require you to enter specific search criteria. If you do need to enter search criteria remember that Complete = 0 will find all incomplete tests.

More filters are available in the normal filter area underneath the tree.

Activity - search for MDD tests Using the filter MDD Tests, display all the MDD tests that are currently awaiting test results.

Entering raw test data

Entering data on the work order screen

As mentioned above, test data for some tests can be entered on the work order screen. For example, field density and moisure content test data, which doesn't required complex calculations may be entered on the work order screen. The advantage of entering data on the work order screen is that data can be entered for all samples on the one screen.

Entering data on the electronic worksheet

Other tests such as the maximum dry density have more complex calculations. Therefore data needs to be entered on the electronic worksheet provided for this test. The maximum dry density worksheet is described below.

Activity - bulk enter data on the work order screen Using the default sample filter, find a work order using the work order ID provided in your training course. On the work screen some test results can be entered. On the work order screen enter the test results provided, for the test Nuclear field density [RTA T173].

The maximum dry density electronic worksheet

The maximum dry density electronic worksheet is shown below.

Entering maximum dry density results

Step 1. The Details tab is displayed. Enter the required details.

Step 2. Select the Equipment tab. Select a mould. The Mould Type and Volume fields are populated with the values for this mould. Enter the mould mass.

Step 3. Select the other equipment used for the test.

Step 4. Enter the number of specimens in the Specimens box and hit ENTER. A column is added for each specimen. The Mass of Mould is populated with the value entered in the equipment area.

Enter the remaining data for each specimen. The results are shown in the Results section.

Step 5. Select the Chart tab to see the MDD chart.

Summary Data for Individual Screens

Maximum Dry Density - Standard [AS 1289.5.1.1]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Standard Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.01
Standard Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.5
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1
Additional Reporting
Mould Type	-
Particle Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Compactive Effort	-

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Test-specific Options

Use Water Added (%) in Calculations

If this option is set to "TRUE", "Water Added (g)" is no longer manually entered but is instead calculated from the "Mass of Sub Sample (g)" and the "Water Added (%)".

Maximum Dry Density - Modified [AS 1289.5.2.1]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Modified Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.01
Modified Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.5
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1
Additional Reporting
Mould Type	-
Particle Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Compactive Effort	-

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Test-specific Options

Use Water Added (%) in Calculations

If this option is set to "TRUE", "Water Added (g)" is no longer manually entered but is instead calculated from the "Mass of Sub Sample (g)" and the "Water Added (%)".

Maximum Dry Density - Standard [WA132.1]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density [RTA T130]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Standard Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.01
Standard Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.5
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1
Compactive Effort	-
Additive Type	-
Additive Source	-
Additive Proportion (%)	0.0
Calcium Oxide/Hydroxide	-

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density - Standard [WA133.2]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density - Standard [WA132.2]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density - Standard [WA133.1]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density - Standard [Q110A]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1
Oversize Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density - Modified [Q110B]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1
Oversize Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density - Standard [Q110C]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1
Oversize Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density - Modified [Q110D]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1
Oversize Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density - Standard [RTA T111]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.01
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.1
Additional Reporting
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density - Modified [RTA T112]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.01
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	nearest 0.1
Additional Reporting
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Maximum Dry Density - Standard [NZS 4402:1986 Test 4.1.1]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.01
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	<5: nearest 0.2, <=10: nearest 0.5, >10: nearest 1
Solid Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Assumed Solid Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1
Sample History	-

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Test-specific Options

Use Water Added (%) in Calculations

If this option is set to "TRUE", "Water Added (g)" is no longer manually entered but is instead calculated from the "Mass of Sub Sample (g)" and the "Water Added (%)".

Maximum Dry Density - Heavy [NZS 4402:1986 Test 4.1.2]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Mould Volume (cm³\ft³)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Volume of Mould (cm³)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.01
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	<5: nearest 0.2, <=10: nearest 0.5, >10: nearest 1
Solid Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Assumed Solid Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1
Sample History	-

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Test-specific Options

Use Water Added (%) in Calculations

If this option is set to "TRUE", "Water Added (g)" is no longer manually entered but is instead calculated from the "Mass of Sub Sample (g)" and the "Water Added (%)".

Maximum Dry Density - Vibrating Hammer [NZS 4402:1986 Test 4.1.3]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Mould Type
Mould Mass (g/lb)
Diameter (mm/in)

Hammer

Description

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Prompt	Value
Number of Samples	>=3
Height; Collar To Bottom 1 (mm)	-
Height; Collar To Soil 1 (mm)	< Height; Collar To Bottom 1 (mm)
Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)	-
Diameter of Mould (mm)	-
Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)	-
Mass of Container & Dry Soil (g)	< Mass of Container & Wet Soil (g)

Completion Requirements

MDD (t/m³) value exists.

Reported Results

Standard Reporting Requirements
Maximum Dry Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.01
Optimum Moisture Content (%)	<5: nearest 0.2, <=10: nearest 0.5, >10: nearest 1
Solid Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Assumed Solid Density (t/m³)	nearest 0.001
Oversize Sieve (mm)	nearest 0.1
Oversize Material (%)	nearest 1
Sample History	-

Formulae

Wet Density

D_w = (M₂ - M₁) / V_m

where,
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
M₂ = Mass of Mould & Wet Soil (g)
M₁ = Mass of Mould (g)
V_m = Volume of Mould (cm³)

Dry Density

D_d = 100 * D_w / (100 + W)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
D_w = Wet Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Air Voids

D_d = (1 - A_v / 100) / (1 / D_p + W / 100)

where,
D_d = Dry Density (t/m³)
A_v = Air Voids (%)
D_p = Particle Density (t/m³)
W = Moisture Content (%)

Test-specific Options

Use Water Added (%) in Calculations

If this option is set to "TRUE", "Water Added (g)" is no longer manually entered but is instead calculated from the "Mass of Sub Sample (g)" and the "Water Added (%)".

Activity - enter data on an electronic worksheet Using the filter MDD Tests, display all the MDD tests that are currently awaiting test results. Select the first MDD test. Enter the data provided in your training course.

Checking test results

This module covers the checking of test results and signing of test reports.

By the end of this section users with sufficient rights should be able to use a filter to display test results that are complete and ready for checking, and then mark them as checked.

Suggested duration: 15 minutes

Overview

Most authorities require that the test results are checked, often by a different technician than the one who performed the work. In QESTLab, checked documents can only be changed by users with QESTLab laboratory supervisor rights

Checking soils field testing results

Step 1. Use the work order filter to display the workorders you need to check.

You can search by any combination of client, project, work order ID, sample ID and Date. To find completed work orders use the criteria Complete = 1

Step 2. All work orders returned by the filter will be displayed in the tree.

Step 3. Click on a work order to display it and check the results. When you are satisfied, click the Checked By button on the top right of the work order screen to mark all tests in that work order as checked.

Alternately, each test can be marked as checked by clicking the T in the top right hand corner of the test document.

Activity - checking results and signing test reports Click on the Tests/Documents node in the tree. Use an appropriate filter to display aggregate/soil test results that are complete and are awaiting checking. Mark each test result as checked using the T button on the test document.

Signing and distributing soil field test reports

This module covers the signing and distribution of soil field test reports

By the end of this section users with sufficient rights should be able to use a filter to display soil field test reports that are ready for signing, and sign them either individually or as a group.

They should then be able to distibute the reports by printing a copy, the report or by saving the report as a .PDF file, or by emailing the .PDF file directly from QESTLab.

Suggested duration: 20 minutes

Overview

Once test results have been checked they are ready to be signed. In order to sign a report a user requries QESTLab signatory rights for all the test results shown on the test report.

When a test report has been signed any document with results appearing on that test report is read only.

There are currently three field density test reports in QESTLab for reporting the results of all the samples in a work order.

Field density: Hilf density ratio.
Field density: Dry density ratio.
RTA field density: Dry density ratio.

As well as this, there is the material test report which reports the results of one individual soil sample.

The process for signing and distributing each test report is the same. They differ only in the data presented on the report.

Signing individual test reports

There are two ways to sign test reports. You can sign each report after you check that work order. To do this simple click on the report, then click on the checkbox at the bottom left of the report.

To sign a test report but leave it non-endorsed tick the Non-endorsed box at the bottom right of the test report before signing. This changes the appearance of the test report. Specifically the NATA (or other accreditation authority) logo and statement, is not displayed. For more details see the Test report header section below.

Once a test report at the work order level has been signed, the work order, samples, and all related data is read only for all users regardless of Lab Supervisor or other rights. If a change needs to be made then a signatory needs to un-sign the test report by clearing the check box. The change can then be made and the report re-signed.

</noinclude>

Bulk signing test reports

Alternately you can bulk sign many test reports.

Step 1. Display the required test reports awaiting signing, using an appropriate filter such as Field Test Reports for Signing.

Step 2. All test reports returned by the filter will be displayed in the tree.

Step 4. To display a test report click on it in the tree. The test report will be displayed in the right hand window.

The field density report is described in detail below.

Step 5. When test reports have been reviewed, sign them all by selecting the Tests/Documents node, then clicking on the button on the toolbar. Note that this button is only available when the Tests/Documents node is selected, and not when one of the test reports is selected.

The density test report

The test report header

All test reports in QESTLab share the same header. Note that some of the fields in the accreditation area can be modified by your system administrator. Laboratory details can only be changed by Spectra QEST.

You can change the client and project details shown on the report by selecting an alternate client or project.

The test results

The field density: hilf density ratio test report is shown below. Note that there are minor differences in the data reported on the RTA version of this report. The data reported on the field density: dry density ratio report is also slightly different, although the layout is the same for all three reports as follows:

The work order data is shown first.
Each column contains the data for a sample. There is enough room on each page of the test report for six samples. The exact number shown on the report depends on the sample type selected in the work order. For roadworks samples six samples are displayed, for general type samples four are displayed. If there are more than six samples a second page will be produced.
The Sample details area contains data from the sample screen. The Field and laboratory data area contains test results.

Activity - signing soil field test reports Click on the Tests/Documents node in the tree. Use the filter Field Test Reports to display soil field test reports for the date. Select the first test report in the list to display it, then sign the report by ticking the signed box. Sign the remaining test reports as a group, using the Batch Sign Reports button.

Distribute test reports

Test reports may be:

Printed - either individually or in bulk.
Emailed - either individually or in bulk.
Saved as an Adobe Acrobat (*.PDF) file to be emailed later.

Printing test reports

To print a test report simply click the Print button on the toolbar while the test report is displayed.

To bulk print many reports use a filter, such as Field Test Reports, as described above, to return the required test reports.

Then select the Tests/Documents node, and click the Print button on the toolbar to print all test reports.

Emailing test reports

The process for emailing reports is the same as that for printing. To email an individual report select the report and click the Publish button on the toolbar.

To bulk email reports display the reports using a filter such as Field Test Reports, then click the Publish button. At the Batch Email Test Reports window, click OK to email all test reports displayed.

For further information, please refer to QESTLab:Test Report Publish Functionality.

Saving a test report as a .PDF file

Individual test reports may be saved as a .PDF file, and emailed later. This option only applies to individual test reports.

Step 1. Click on an individual test report in the tree.

Step 2. Click the Export to File button on the toolbar.

Step 3. Browse to the location to save the file, enter a file name, and select Save as type Adobe Acrobat (*.PDF).

Step 4. Click Save to save the report. The file can then be emailed or printed when required.

Activity - distributing soil field test reports Click on the Tests/Documents node in the tree. Use the filter Field Test Reports to display soil field test reports that have been signed and not distributed. Click on the first report in the list. Print this report. Click on the second report. Save this report to your desktop as a .PDF file. Click on the Tests/Documents node and email all reports.

OTHER AGGREGATE/SOIL AND ASPHALT TESTING

Registering samples

This module covers the process of registering an aggregate or asphalt sample for laboratory testing.

By the end of this section users should be able to register a sample, and associated documents including the tests to be conducted on the sample, a billing document and a test report.

Suggested duration: 30 minutes

Overview

This section describes the situation where a lab needs to register one sample for a few laboratory tests, such as CBRs, gradings, and PIs. In this situation, you may prefer to just register the one sample rather than using the workorder functionality described in the section on soils field testing. Nonetheless if you have many samples that require testing you may still use a workorder to register and manage these samples. To register samples using a workorder just follow the steps outlined in the soils field testing section. To register a single aggregate/soil sample follow the steps below.

Registering a sample

Step 1. Select the Samples node in the tree, and click the New sample button in the toolbar. The Add Sample(s) and Documents(s) window is displayed.

Step 2. Ensure the correct laboratory is selected. Then in the Type of Sample drop down list, select Aggregate/Soil Sample to register an aggregate/soil sample, or Asphalt Sample to register an asphalt sample.

Step 3. Select the documents to register with this sample, either by selecting a group in the Select groups window, or by selecting the individual documents in the Select documents window. Note that QESTLab contains a huge number of other documents and test methods. If a document appears but is greyed out then your user account does not have rights to view or edit that document. See your system administrator for access.

To add charges for this sample you must add a Billing Document.
To report the test results you must add an Aggregate/Soil Test Report.

Step 4. Click OK to add the new sample. The new sample is displayed in the tree. Note the sample ID has been automatically generated, and the documents are shown underneath the sample in the tree.

Step 5. The blank sample document is shown in the right hand window. Complete the fields in the sample document.

The aggregate/soil sample document is described in detail below.

The sample screen

Aggregate/Soil Sample Screen

NOTE: This documentation applies to the Asphalt Sample screen as well.

The aggregate/soil sample document is used to store sample details for an aggregate or soil sample.

GPS details

Enter the GPS details or select Not Obtainable. There is a document-level option "Enforce GPS Data Entry" that when set, will make all GPS data mandatory, however it is not mandatory by default. All GPS data should be formatted in decimal degrees. e.g. Spectra QEST's offices are located at latitude -34.904797, longitude 138.595742. Ensure that elevation is recorded in consistent units. Do not mix feet, yards and meters. On the sample screen, click the button shown below to display the location in Google Earth.

Frame

Google Earth will open and display the location of sample. Click on the location to learn more about the sample. The Client, Project, Date Sampled and Location details will be displayed.

Sample identification

Lab Sample ID	The automatically generated sample ID using the aggregate/soil sample counter.
Field Sample ID	To report the field sample ID, enter it here and leave the client sample ID field empty.
Client Sample ID	To report the client's sample ID enter it here. It will then overwrite the field sample ID on the report. This means either the field sample ID or the client sample ID can be reported, not both.
TRN	Enter the test request number.
Submitted on the	Use the calendar to select the date that the sample is being submitted on.
at	Enter the submission time in 24 hour format.

Client/project details

Client	Populated from the QESTLab Client list. Select the client from the list, or enter the first few characters of the client code or client name and hit Enter.
Project	Populated from the QESTLab Project list. Only those projects for the client chosen above will be listed.
Owner	Automatically populated with the name of the project owner for the project selected above.

Material details

Supplier List	Select the supplier of the material in this sample. Populated from the QESTLab Aggsoil supplier list.
Material Source	Select the source of the material in this sample. Populated from the QESTLab Aggsoil material source list.
Material	Select the type of material in this sample. Populated from the QESTLab Aggsoil material list. Only those materials for the material source chosen above will be listed.
Specification Group	Select the specification group that contains the specification you wish to apply to this sample.
Specification Name	Select the required specification for this sample. This is used to highlight out of spec results. If a default specification has been set for the material chosen above, then this specification will be chosen.

Disposition after test

Select Hold, specify how many days to hold the sample, how the sample should be held and what action should take place when the holding time expires. Alternately select Discard

Sample details

Sampled On	Use the calendar to select the date that the sample is being submitted on.
at	Enter the submission time in 24 hour format.
Sampled By	Select the person who took the sample. Populated from the QESTLab Sampled by list.
Lot No.	Enter the number of the lot the specimen was sampled.
Method	Select the sampling method for this sample. Populated from the QESTLab Agg/soil sampling method list.

Sample Suitability

Select Sample Not Suitable if the data recorded at the sample-level does not meet requirements.

Sample type

Different fields are displayed depending on the Sample type chosen.

General

General Location	Enter relevant information about the sampling location.
Location Description	Enter more extensive details about the sampling location.
Prog Tonnes	The progressive tonnage removed from this location.

Roadwork

General Location	Enter relevant information about the sampling location.
Road Name	The name of the road the sample is from.
Chainage	The distance to sampling location along the road.
Offset Distance	The perpendicular distance from the point along the chainage set in the From field.
From	Where the offset is calculated from. The are four possible values: Left, Right, Left of Centre and Right of Centre.
Depth/Level	Whether the sample is from the base or subbase.
Boring Number	The reference number of the sample bore.
Depth	The depth of the sample bore.

Sitework

Location Description	Enter relevant information about the sampling location.
Prog Tonnes	The progressive tonnage removed from this location.
Bed Level	The bed level the sample was taken from.
Tonnes/hr	Tonnes per hour.
Water/hr	Water per hour.
Coarse Yield	Yield of coarse material.
Fine Yield	Yield of fine material.

When you have entered the sample data you wish to enter, sample registration is complete.

Activity - register an aggregate/soil sample Register a new aggregate/soil sample. Add the following test to the sample - Grading AS1141.11. Add a billing document and an aggregate/soil test report Complete the data in the sample. Data will be provided in your training course.

Finding work to be done

Overview

When a technician wants to find testing work that needs to be completed they have a number of options. They can search for all samples for a particular job, all samples tested over a particular period, and a number of other search criteria. If they know the sample number they can just bring up that sample.

Alternately, technicians can search for all instances of a particular test that need to be done. For example they can find all CBR tests that are currently incomplete, regardless of which job they come from.

Activity - search for a sample Using the default sample filter, find a sample using the sample ID provided in your training course. Expand the sample to see the tests for this sample.

Searching for test documents

Remember the Tests/docs area in the QESTLab tree, that had filters that allowed you to search for particular soils tests that needed doing. Well, similarly there are filters that can be used to find grading tests, CBRs, Atterbergs and the like, that need doing. Remember that these filters are added by your QESTLab administrator. If the filter you need isnt there your system administrator may be able to add it for you.

To use one of these filters to search for specific tests follow the steps below.

Step 1. Click on the Tests/Documents node in the tree. The more common filters, which come as standard with QESTLab, are listed in the tree.

Other filters, added by your system administrator, are found in the filter area.

Step 2. Select the filter for the test you want. In the example the filter Grading tests is used. It searches for all grading tests.

Step 3. Enter required search criteria in the filter area. To search for:

Only incomplete tests - use the last search criteria called Complete. Enter the value 0 for FALSE, or 1 for TRUE. For example to display all incomplete grading tests use the search criteria Complete = 0 and leave everything else blank.
Sample ID - enter the work order or sample ID.
Other criteria - enter other criteria as required.

To run the filter click the Refresh button .

Step 4. Seach results are grouped by project. Expand the project to see the test documents.

Step 5. Click on the test document in the tree to display the test document in the right hand window ready for data entry. Note that each different test document is specialised for the entry of specific results.

Activity - search for grading tests Select the Tests/Documents node. Using an the filter Grading Tests, display all the grading tests that are currently awaiting test results.

Entering raw test data

QESTLab electronic worksheets

QESTLab provides a custom electronic worksheet for each test method. Data is entered into the worksheet during testing, and QESTLab calculates the test results according to the relevant standard.

The tests to be conducted on a sample are displayed in the tree under the sample. To display the worksheet for a particular test click on that test in the tree.

In the Equipment area, select the equipment used for this test.
In the Details area enter the test data.
The results will be calculated and displayed in the grey result fields.

Some worksheets such as the PSD worksheet contain more complex calculations.

The PSD worksheet is described in detail below.

The particle size distribution document

QESTLab catered for different test methods for performing a particle size distribution. This functionality is provided from a single code base with a dynamic user interface that changes depending on the test methods requirements.

This document covers all the possible functionality. The features mentioned will not be available to all test methods.

Options

The options displays up to 4 drop down boxes that effect the raw data that can be entered and how the calculations are performed.

Drop Down Combo	Values	Function
Percentages	Passing (Total)	The final calculated values will be percentages passing the sieves.
	Retained (Individual)	The final calculated values will be percentage retained on the individual sieve.
Weights	Individual	Weights entered are for the individual sieve. The balance is cleared between each sieve weighed.
	Cumulative	Weights entered are cumulative and include the current and all previously weighed sieves.
Washing	None	The sample is not washed over a fine sieve.
	Total	The entire sample has been washed over a fine sieve (usually 75um / No. 200)
	Split	The split sample has been washed over a fine sieve (usually 75um / No. 200)
Drying	Total	The entire sample has been dried.
	After Split	The sample down to the split was not dried. The sub sample resulting from splitting was dried.

Equipment

Select the equipment used in performing the test. This includes the Balance, Sieve Set, Sieve Shaker and equipment used for drying the sample.

In the case of a sample that has been split select a second set of equipment that was used on the sub sample. If a sieve set is selected that has its diameter specified in the equipment schedule then the overload mass for this sieve will be displayed in the data entry grid.

Chart

The chart shows the sieve analysis represented on a semi-logarithmic chart. Also shown are specification limits which will be highlighted in red if the test results do not conform. This chart is updated in real time.

Raw data and results

Enter the raw data (masses). Final test results are calcuated and displayed. The columns in this grid are always the same, they are:

Sieve Size	The sieve size that is being tested.
Cumulative/Non Cumulative Mass	Either the mass retained on the sieve, or the cumulative mass from the current and all previous sieves.
Max Mass	The maximum mass allowed on this sieve before it is overloaded.
% Pass (Total) / % Retained	The calculated result.
Limits	The specification limit for the sieve.

The rows in the grid vary depending on the options set and the sieves selected in the specification limit.

How is? / How do I?

How is the Total Dry Mass determined?

The figure for the total dry mass can be reached several different ways depending on the test method.

The entire sample could be dry / have been dried before commencing the test and the dry sample weighed. In this case the user can directly enter the Total Dry Mass.

The entire sample could be dried as part of the test procedure. In this case the user could still enter the Total Dry Mass or they may choose to, also enter the Wet Mass and possibly the Tare Mass (weight of the tray) and Tare Mass + Wet Sample.

The moisture content of the test could have been determined in a separate test on a sub sample. In this case register the moisture content as a test on the same sample (a sibling test to the PSD) and enter the details. By default this moisture content will then be used to determine the Total Dry Mass when you enter the Wet Mass on the PSD screen. This behaviour can be disabled via the document option ‘Do Not Use Sibling Moisture’. See the document IQ0018 QESTLab System and Document Options.htm for more details.

For some test methods the ‘Total Dry Mass’ is calculated based on the moisture content of the sample after the first split. In this case the option ‘Drying After Split’ is selected. The wet mass of the material passing the split sieve is recorded, as is the ‘Split Wet Mass’ and ‘Split Mass’. The moisture content is determined from the ‘Split Wet Mass’ and ‘Split Mass’. The dry mass of the material passing the split sieve is then calculated and added to the material retained on sieves prior to splitting. This value is the ‘Total Dry Mass’. This assumes that the material already retained are large particles that do not retain any moisture.

How do I split a sample?

When you are required to split a sample and use a smaller portion for the remainder of the test you double click in the cell that contains the last sieve tested before splitting. The system will prompt asking if you want to split after this sieve. You can split a grading twice in this way, to allow for a coarse, intermediate and fine fraction. Double clicking on an existing split will give you the option of removing it. The calculation of percentages passing for the split material will be automatically determined taking into consideration what portion of the entire sample is represented by the material.

Where do I enter details about washing the sample and the Finer 75um (No. 200)?

When washing material over a fine sieve (75um) you need to record the mass retained after washing and drying. This figure is entered in different places on the grid depending on when the washing is performed. If the washing took place for the entire sample then an ‘After Wash’ row appears below the ‘Total Dry Mass’. If washing after a split the ‘After Wash’ appears below the ‘Split Mass’. Remember the value entered is for the dry mass after washing. If you weigh this material in the tray (and have provided the weight of the tray in the first row of the grid) then you will need to set the document option to ensure the mass of the tray is removed from the figure entered before the Finer 75um figure is calculated. See the document IQ0018 QESTLab System and Document Options.htm for more details.

This figure will in turn be used to calculate the Finer 75 um (No. 200) which appears at the bottom of the grid. Some test methods allow for the determination of the Finer 13.5um sieve. This functionality is activated via a document option. See the document IQ0018 QESTLab System and Document Options.htm for more details.

Does the electronic worksheet check for material loss?

For most test methods the electronic worksheet will check to see if material loss has exceed 1%, or a figure provided by the method. This is displayed in red along side the ‘Total Dry Mass’ and the ‘Split Mass’. If after splitting you weigh the material in the pan and it includes all the split material then you will need to set a document option so the material loss check takes this into consideration. See the document IQ0018 QESTLab System and Document Options.htm for more details.

I separated the sample and sieve in two or more lots to avoid overloading sieves, can this be recorded?

Sieves have a maximum acceptable amount of material that can be tested in a single operation. Where the sieve diameter has been entered in the equipment schedule, this maximum mass is displayed in the data entry grid. When a tested mass is entered that exceeds this value the user is warned about the overloading of the sieve and the problem is highlighted. If the sample was tested in two or more lost then enter the mass retained on the sieve as the individual values separated with commas. When you move of the cell the combined mass will be displayed. When moving back on the cell the original breakdown as entered will be shown.

Summary Data for Individual Screens

Particle Size Analysis of Soils - Hydrometer [Q103C]*

Minimum Data Requirements

Example

Completion Requirements

Example

Formulae

Example

Rounding

Example

Dependant Tests

Test 1
Test 2

Test-specific Options

Example

Activity - enter data on an electronic worksheet Using the filter Grading Tests, display all the grading tests that are currently awaiting test results. Select the first grading test. On the worksheet, enter the data provided in your training course.

Checking test results

This module covers the checking of test results and signing of test reports.

By the end of this section users with sufficient rights should be able to use a filter to display test results that are complete and ready for checking, and then mark them as checked.

Suggested duration: 15 minutes

Overview

Most authorities require that test results are checked, often by a different technician than the one who performed the work. If you have just registered a single sample then each test will need to be marked as checked individually. If you have registered a work order then the work order screen has a button to mark all tests as checked. When a test is marked as checked it can only be changed by users with QESTLab laboratory supervisor rights. When all tests are checked for a sample then the report be signed.

Checking test results

Step 1. To mark a test document as checked, first click on the test to display the test.

Step 2. Then click on the T icon in the top right of the test document header.

Step 3. At the Laboratory/tester details window tick the box to indicate who tested and who checked the data. Note that data entry users (with QESTLab Data entry rights) will be able to select a name from the drop down list. If you do not have these rights your name will be automatically selected and locked in.

Once data has been checked, the ability to change information on this document is restricted to users with Laboratory Supervisor rights only. The document is read only for all other users. Once all tests for a sample are checked then the sample is also ready only.

Activity - checking results Click on the Tests/Documents node in the tree. Use an appropriate filter to display aggregate/soil test results that are complete and are awaiting checking. Mark each test result as checked using the T button on the test document.

Signing and distributing test reports

This module covers the signing and distribution of aggregate/soil and asphalt test reports

By the end of this section users with sufficient rights should be able to use a filter to display test reports that are ready for signing, and sign them either individually or as a group.

They should then be able to distibute the reports by printing a copy, the report or by saving the report as a .PDF file, or by emailing the .PDF file directly from QESTLab.

Suggested duration: 30 minutes

QESTLab:Aggregate/soil and asphalt testing - sign test reports

The aggregate soil test report

The test report header

All aggregate/soil test report shares the same header as all test reports in QESTLab. It also has the following additional features.

Tests

Not all of the tests for the sample need to be reported. The Tests... allows the user to select which tests to report. To not report the results of a test simply untick that test.

Test report layout

The Test Report View dropdown box contains a list of possible layouts for the report

The PSD predominant view emphasises the grading results. Note that in this view there is only room for one other test result.

Specification

The Use an alternate specification checkbox allows the user to display limits on the test report according to a specification other than that set in the sample.

The test results

The aggregate/soil test report is shown below.

The Sample details section displays data from the sample screen. #The Particle size distribution section contains the results and graph of any grading test performed on the sample.
The Other test results section reports the test results of all other tests performed on the sample.

Test report options

The test report can be configured in the QEST Administrator Console via the Document-Level Options section by selecting the option from the list of documents that corresponds to the report at hand.

PSD Non Classified AS 1289.3.6.1 Chart

**Available from QESTLab 3.3 onwards only.

When the Document-Level Option "PSD Non Classified AS 1289.3.6.1 Chart" is set to True, the Standard Aggregate/Soil Test Report displays the Particle Size Distribution graph in conformance with AS 1289.3.6.1 Section 8.

Activity - signing test reports Click on the Tests/Documents node in the tree. Use an appropriate filter to display test reports that have not yet been signed. Select the first test report in the list to display it, then sign the report by ticking the signed box. Sign the remaining test reports as a group, using the Batch Sign Reports button.

Distribute test reports

The process of distributing these reports is identical to that for field density reports. They may be:

Printed - either individually or in bulk.
Emailed - either individually or in bulk.
Saved as an Adobe Acrobat (*.PDF) file.

Printing aggregate/soil test reports

To print an individual report, select the report in the tree and click the print button on the toolbar.

To bulk print reports, use a Tests/Documents filter to display the required reports as described above. Then click on the print button. All displayed reports will be printed.

Emailing aggregate/soil test reports

To email an individual report select the report in the tree and click the Publish button on the toolbar.

To email multiple reports from one work order, select the work order in the tree and click the Publish button on the toolbar.

NOTE: Emailing multiple reports from one work order is only available in QESTLab 4.1 and onwards.

For further information, please refer to QESTLab:Test Report Publish Functionality.

Saving a test report as a .PDF file

To save a report select the report in the tree and click the Export to File button on the toolbar.

Browse to the location to save the file, enter a file name, and select Save as type Adobe Acrobat (*.PDF).

Activity - distributing test reports Click on the Tests/Documents node in the tree. Use an appropriate filter to display aggregate/soil test reports that have been signed and are awaiting distribution. Click on the first report in the list. Print this report. Click on the second report. Save this report to your desktop as a .PDF file. Click on the Tests/Documents node and email all reports.

BILLING AND INVOICING

Billing

Billing refers to the process of generating the charges associated with each sample. By the end of this section uses should be able to:

Add a billing document to a sample or work order during sample regisration.
Automatically generate charges for a sample or work order based on the fee schedule setup by a QESTLab administrator.
Manually add extra charges as necessary.
Use the bulk update process to generate charges for all samples for a particular project.

Suggested duration: 30 minutes

QESTLab:Adding Charges

Activity - billing samples and work orders Click on the work order node in the tree and use the filter to search for the Expnad the work order and click on the billing document. Click on the Auto create button to generate the charges for the work order. Manually add an extra charge. Add one unit of the item Geotechnician - Standby (55).

Invoicing

This section explains how to raise invoices based on the charges generated for each sample. It also explains how to print, save or email invoices, and how to search for printed or unprinted invoices.

By the end of this section users should be able to raise invoices for a client, then check and distribute the invoices.

Suggested duration: 30 minutes

QESTLab:Invoicing

Activity - raise invoices Raise invoices for all charges up to the current date. The client and project will be specified in your training course. Under the Billing node use the filter Unprinted Invoices to display the new invoices Select the first invoice. Click the Preview button to preview the invoice. Tick the Roll up indentical items box and notice the change to the invoice. Return to the Details view. Unselect the first two samples and preview the invoice again. Notice the change to the invoice. Print the invoice and mark it as printed. Select the second invoice in the list. Save this invoice as a file to your desktop, and mark the invoice as printed.

GETTING STARTED WITH QESTLAB

Connecting to the Server

Logging in to QESTLab

Changing your password

Logging out

Logout and change user

Close QESTLab

Navigating QESTLab

The QESTLab tree

Laboratories

The global lab

Accessing more than one lab

Filters

CONCRETE TESTING

Registering concrete samples

Overview

Registering a concrete sample group

The concrete sample group document

Completing the concrete sample group document

The concrete sample document

Completing the fieldsheet data

The concrete specimen grid

The specimen details fields

The test data fields

The results fields

Finding work to be done

Printing a daily worksheet

Using the electronic worksheet

Searching for concrete samples using the sample or fieldsheet ID

Entering raw test data

Test results calculated by QESTLab

Checking concrete test results

Overview

Checking results

Signing and distributing concrete test reports

Overview

Sign test reports

The concrete test report

The test report header

The concrete test results

Distribute test reports

Printing test reports

Emailing test reports

Saving a test report as a .PDF file

SOILS FIELD TESTING

Registering work orders

Overview

Registering soil field samples using a work order

Adding the work order

Populating the work order

Entering field density data

Entering moisture content data

Entering oversize data

Hilf

Dry Density

Entering compaction data

Hilf

Dry Density

Finding work to be done

Overview

Searching for test documents

Entering raw test data

Entering data on the work order screen

Entering data on the electronic worksheet

The maximum dry density electronic worksheet

Entering maximum dry density results

Summary Data for Individual Screens

Maximum Dry Density - Standard [AS 1289.5.1.1]

Equipment Calibration Values

Density Mould

Hammer

Minimum Data Requirements

Maximum Dry Density calculation

Related Documents

Exported

Completion Requirements

Reported Results

Formulae

Wet Density

Dry Density