I work for a design/build construction company who never tests concrete......

[ARS97]

Just like the title says. I'm a structural engineer who works for a medium sized construction company who specializes in industrial projects. These projects usually involve some form of structural concrete, which is typically limited to foundations. (Once in a great while I'll have to deal with something a little more specialized in terms of concrete, but it's rare.) Here's the problem - they never test concrete, unless it's required in the project specifications. (This is also rare since the customers that we deal with normally are not typically "heavy" in terms of specifications.....they are usually looking to us to provide them an adequate product with minimal specifications or requirements.) Basically, when I call out a concrete strength on the design drawings, they call up the local concrete plant, request a mix that meets this strength requirement, and never verify that they're actually getting what they paid for. There are a few reasons why this is done:
1) Concrete testing requires additional cost
2) They think that by simply placing an order for a certain concrete strength is the end of their liability. They think that the batch plant is then responsible for taking it from there.

I've preached about things like "negligence" and "design professional", but it's a hard sell. Aside from citing code requirements (ACI, IBC), how would you approach this? (Citing code requirements isn't usually very convincing to people who don't pay attention to codes.) I'm trying to change the quality control mindset of an entire company, which is a daunting task.

Any help would be appreciated! (NOTE - I also posted this in the general structural engineering forum)

 

[bb29510]

wait till something falls down, that get their attention

ICC special inspector, Structural masonry, Reinforced concrete.