How should retesting or rework be handled if test results do not meet specification?

• A. Stop pour and replace material immediately.
• B. Retest using unapproved samples.
• C. Proceed with construction without retest.
• D. Follow project protocol; perform retest using approved samples; determine if rework is required; document.

Answer: (D)

When test results don’t meet specification, the process must follow the project-approved testing and quality-control steps. The correct approach is to follow project protocol, perform a retest using approved samples from the same placement context, and then determine whether rework is required. All results, decisions, and any subsequent actions should be documented for traceability. This ensures the retest uses reliable, certified materials and that any corrective work is based on established guidelines. Stopping a pour and replacing material immediately, retesting with unapproved samples, or proceeding without retest bypasses the approved quality-control process and can lead to unsafe or unnecessary rework.