Sierra Geotechnical Services Inc. (SGSI) - Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Engineering Geology, Hydrogeology, Materials Testing and Construction Inspection


SGSI is committed to providing quality services in the area of geotechnical engineering. To ensure to others that our work is performed in a cost-effective, controlled manner that can be documented and defended, SGSI has adopted a Quality Assurance Program (QAP). The SGSI QAP has been planned and developed in conjunction with our business functions, and is based on generally accepted professional practice and current regulatory requirements. It provides the policies, assigns the responsibilities, and describes the governing standards that affect the quality of professional services provided by SGSI. As such, our QAP applies to all related activities and to all individuals who perform those activities. SGSI participates with two separate proficiency sample and laboratory inspection programs. Both programs are administered by independent organizations to avoid bias and conflict of interest. SGSI is enrolled with both the National Institute of Standards and Testing (NIST) via the Concrete and Cement Reference Laboratory (CCRL) for the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Test Method performance and with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for California Test Method performance. For the proficiency sample program, concrete and aggregate test samples with known attributes are distributed by CCRL and Caltrans and received by SGSI on a semi-annual basis. SGSI tests the samples referring to ASTM and Caltrans test methods, and the results are reported within five weeks. After review, CCRL and Caltrans issue a final report comparing SGSI results compared to other participating laboratories and to the samples previously determined attributes. Any significant deviations are confidentially reported to SGSI. For the laboratory inspection program, CCRL and Caltrans provide SGSI with a comprehensive account of how our procedures, equipment and facility compare with standard requirements. On the average of every three years, CCRL and Caltrans inspectors check critical equipment dimensions, operating characteristics, and they watch SGSI technicians demonstrate test procedures. Equipment maintenance logs and personnel records are reviewed for conformance to standards. The goal of the inspection program is to provide a consistent and fair evaluation in order for our clients to have confidence that SGSI testing services are of high quality and that ASTM and Caltrans standards are being used as intended. General Overview of Procedures The SGSI QAP includes training and test procedure monitoring for all laboratory and field personnel. In-house training programs are conducted by licensed supervising civil engineers and engineering geologists, and personnel are periodically enrolled in seminars and training sessions. Additionally, our QAP includes duplicate testing to verify testing personnel proficiency and test result accuracy. For quality control, all test results and test reports are reviewed and approved by the supervising civil engineer prior to submittal. Finally, all laboratory and field equipment are routinely calibrated by qualified professional calibration services.