<p><p><strong>References:<br></strong><em>Schaefer et al. (2016)<br>Gao (2004)<br>Jacob et al. (1994)<br>SHRP 2 Phase I Technology Assessment (2008)</em></p><p><strong>Method Summary</strong></p><p>Records should be kept of:<br><ul> <li>Construction equipment inspection.</li> <li>Membrane quality.</li> <li>Membrane placement.</li> <li>PVD material quality.</li> <li>PVD dimensions (width and thickness).</li> <li>Mandrel dimensions.</li> <li>Mandrel type.</li> <li>PVD installation depth and spacing.</li> <li>PVD location.</li> <li>Verticality of installed PVDs.</li> <li>Drainage blanket material and placement.</li> <li>Fill material and placement.</li></ul>Any splicing should be recorded. Placement of the membrane is a critical part of the success of a vacuum preloading project and should be monitored in order to ensure the membrane is continuously connected.</p><p><strong>Accuracy and Precision</strong></p><p>Confirming the quality of the materials and construction processes is a straightforward task. The accuracy and precision varies based on which item is being inspected and the evaluation can be subjective.</p><p><strong>Adequacy of Coverage</strong></p><p>These records should be kept for every PVD installed and during membrane placement. The records maintained post-installation should provide more representative values. For materials arriving in mass quantities, typically representative inspections are performed.</p><p><strong>Implementation Requirements </strong></p><p>Keeping records of material and site inspections is a simple and necessary process.</p><p><strong>General Comments </strong></p><p>Once some materials are installed, they can be difficult to monitor. For this reason, inspecting project materials before they are installed is a critical step of ensuring a successful implementation of vacuum preloading. Once the membrane is placed, it can be difficult to fix if punctured or not fully sealed. For this reason, inspecting the placement of the membrane before the pumps are turned on is a critical step of ensuring a successful implementation of vacuum preloading. PVDs should have a continuous core and filter jacket. The materials should not be used if they are damaged.</p></p>