Quantity/quality: Undertake tests

Undertake relevant tests on actual road quantities and quality.

Various types of test can help identify road thickness (quantity) and quality:

• non-destructive testing (e.g. ground penetrating radar)
• destructive testing (e.g. core samples).

The core sample method extracts a thin cylindrical section of road at sample locations.  The thickness of the various road layers can be established from the cores. The cores can be tested for quality in a testing laboratory.  The outcome can be compared with the contract quantity and quality.

A reasonable balance needs to be achieved in testing between all of:

• testing a sufficient sample to give a realistic picture of actual quality/quantity
• cost of testing
• damage to the road
• inconvenience to road users.

Identify any discrepancies between the test results and

• contract requirements
• tests carried out during construction.