Maintaining Quality at SJLWTP Through Expert Inspections

Special inspections are a key part of the San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant (SJLWTP) project and vital for maintaining quality, reducing risk, and ensuring regulatory compliance on complex construction projects. Their rigorous oversight helps prevent failures and supports successful project delivery. Special inspections focus on critical materials and systems to ensure compliance with codes, standards, and design requirements. These inspections help protect structural integrity, safety, and long-term performance.

Performed by qualified, independent specialists, the inspections verify that construction aligns with approved plans and technical specifications. At the SJLWTP project site, the inspections cover structural, geotechnical, foundation, and welding, with most services provided by GEOMAT, A UES Company, of Farmington, NM. GEOMAT maintains certifications with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Materials Reference Laboratory, and Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory.

Special inspection requirements were established during the design phase and will be carried out alongside construction activities. Special inspectors observe work, conduct or witness testing, and document results, ensuring any deficiencies are corrected before work moves forward. To date, GEOMAT has performed 30+ special inspections on concrete reinforcement by American Concrete Institute certified special inspectors and 200+ observation/testing trips by engineering technicians to test concrete/earthwork related operations. This includes 1,300+ field density tests on compacted backfill and 40+ sets of concrete cylinders.

Overall, specialty inspections are essential for reducing risk, maintaining quality, and supporting successful project delivery.