Allied Concrete Products

Key Takeaways: Quality concrete production requires precise material selection meeting PNS ASTM standards, automated batching systems with ±1% accuracy, compressive strength testing per ASTM C39 at 7 and 28 days, and strict adherence to DPWH Department Order No. 136. Modern batching plants using IoT sensors and automation ensure consistent quality critical for Philippine infrastructure projects like the Metro Manila Subway and MRT-7 expansion.

Quality standards in concrete production are critical to ensuring the durability, strength, and reliability of construction projects, especially in the Philippines' challenging tropical and seismic environment. Best practices center around precise material selection, controlled batching and mixing processes, rigorous testing, and continuous monitoring coupled with adherence to DPWH Department Order No. 136, s.2016, which prescribes minimum testing requirements for public works structures.

Precise Material Selection and Management

High-quality concrete begins with selecting certified raw materials—cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures—that comply with Philippine National Standards (PNS) adopted from ASTM standards. The Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) implements mandatory product certification schemes for construction materials, ensuring compliance with international quality benchmarks.

According to ASTM C94/C94M, the standard specification for ready-mixed concrete, measuring and batching of materials shall be done at a batching plant with accuracy within plus or minus 1 percent by mass. Advanced batching plants automate material measurement with exceptional precision, reducing human error and maintaining consistent quality across batches.

Real-time inventory management minimizes shortages, supporting uninterrupted production vital for large infrastructure projects. Major Metro Manila projects currently utilizing quality-controlled concrete include the Metro Manila Subway (33 km, 17 stations, 18.24% complete as of January 2025) and MRT Line 7 (22 km, 14 stations, 78.63% complete).

Automated and Controlled Batching and Mixing

Modern batching plants utilize high-efficiency mixers and IoT-enabled sensors that monitor moisture content and temperature to optimize the water-cement ratio dynamically. IoT technology enables real-time monitoring of concrete production, with smart sensors collecting data on variables such as temperature, humidity, and slump to ensure a more precise and consistent mix.

According to industry forecasts, 40% of global concrete production will incorporate smart controls by 2030, leading to a 30% boost in efficiency. Automated systems enable real-time quality assurance, detecting inconsistencies and adjusting mix parameters swiftly—critical for the Philippines' tropical climate where humidity and temperature fluctuations affect strength development.

Rigorous Testing Protocols

Quality assurance entails comprehensive testing at multiple stages. Fresh concrete undergoes slump testing per ASTM C143 and air content tests to verify workability and durability indicators. Hardened concrete samples are tested for compressive strength per ASTM C39 at standard intervals—typically 7 and 28 days.

According to DPWH Department Order No. 136, s.2016, these tests must confirm the concrete meets or exceeds design specifications, crucial for safety in Philippine infrastructure projects. The order establishes mandatory quality control procedures for all DPWH concrete works, including sampling frequency, testing methods, and acceptance criteria.

DPWH Testing Requirements

Per the DPWH Guidebook on Project Quality Assurance:

•Compressive Strength Testing: 1 set of 3 concrete cylinders per 75 cubic meters (or fraction thereof) per day's pouring
•Slump Testing: Regular testing during concrete pouring, completed within 5 minutes of sampling per ASTM C143
•Standard Test Ages: 7 days (early strength verification) and 28 days (design strength confirmation per ASTM C39)
•Acceptance Criteria: Following ACI 318 and ACI 301, no single test shall be lower than specified strength by more than 500 psi, and average of three consecutive tests must equal or exceed specified strength

Strict Production Environment Control

Environmental factors during mixing and curing play a critical role in final product quality. According to ASTM C94, concrete temperature must be monitored during delivery, with acceptance testing procedures addressing temperature control. Maintaining controlled humidity and temperature prevents issues such as surface cracking or inadequate hydration.

Advanced curing methods help maximize strength and durability even under tropical conditions, ensuring concrete performance over the structure's lifespan. For major infrastructure projects like the Metro Manila Subway, where concrete walls manufactured at fabrication yards are transported to construction sites, environmental control during production and transport is essential for maintaining quality.

Workforce Discipline and Training

The consistency of concrete production heavily relies on skilled personnel who adhere strictly to documented quality procedures. ACI 318-19 requires that certified field and lab testing technicians perform tests—field tests by an ACI Field Testing Technician Grade I and lab tests by ACI Lab Testing Technician Level 1 or equivalent.

Testing agencies performing acceptance testing must comply with ASTM C1077 Standard Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete Aggregates. Philippine batching plants increasingly invest in operator certification programs aligned with DPWH requirements, ensuring personnel understand both technical specifications and quality documentation standards.

Continuous Monitoring and Documentation

Integrating quality assurance and quality control practices involves continuous real-time monitoring, data logging, and regular audits. IoT technologies allow operators to monitor and control batching plant operations remotely, enabling real-time adjustments, troubleshooting, and decision-making even when operators are not physically present at the plant.

Such transparency helps maintain compliance with DPWH Department Order No. 136 and other regulatory standards while supporting sustainable construction practices. Digital documentation systems now enable instant access to batch records, test results, and material certifications—critical for project audits and regulatory inspections mandated by DPWH's Project Quality Assurance program.

Industry Implementation in the Philippines

Philippine infrastructure projects demonstrate the critical importance of quality concrete production. The Metro Manila Subway utilizes tunnel boring machines and precast concrete segments manufactured with strict quality controls, while MRT-7 employs advanced concrete pouring techniques with continuous monitoring at station construction sites.

These major projects address unique infrastructure challenges including seismic activity (per NSCP 2015 requirements) and extreme weather, ensuring materials consistently meet stringent requirements. The LRT-1 Cavite Extension (73.50% complete) and other transit projects rely on quality-controlled concrete for elevated structures and underground stations designed for 75-100 year service lives.

Takeaway for Construction Professionals

Strict adherence to comprehensive quality standards in concrete production ensures the longevity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of construction projects. Compliance with DPWH Department Order No. 136 testing requirements—1 set of 3 cylinders per 75 cubic meters, tested at 7 and 28 days per ASTM C39—provides quantifiable assurance that concrete meets design specifications.

The integration of IoT-enabled batching systems (±1% accuracy per ASTM C94), rigorous testing protocols, and continuous quality monitoring represents the modern standard for concrete production. These practices, mandated by DPWH for public works and increasingly adopted across private construction, ensure Philippine infrastructure meets international durability and safety standards while addressing unique local environmental challenges including tropical climate conditions and seismic requirements.

References

1.Department of Public Works and Highways. (2016). Department Order No. 136, s.2016: Schedule of minimum test requirements. https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/issuances/department-order/22609
2.Department of Public Works and Highways. Guidebook on Project Quality Assurance (PQA) testing. https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/DPWH/sites/default/files/webform/civil_works/advertisement/guidebook_on_pqa_testing_compressed.pdf
3.ASTM International. ASTM C94/C94M - Standard specification for ready-mixed concrete. https://www.astm.org/Standards/C94.htm
4.ASTM International. ASTM C39 - Standard test method for compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens. https://www.astm.org/c0039_c0039m-21.html
5.Bureau of Philippine Standards. (2019). DTI-BPS adopts international standards on aggregates and concrete. https://bps.dti.gov.ph/press-releases/23-2019/184-dti-bps-adopts-international-standards-on-aggregates-and-concrete
6.Railway Technology. Metro Manila Subway project. https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/metro-manila-subway/
7.PPP Center. MRT Line 7 project. https://ppp.gov.ph/ppp_projects/mrt-line-7/
8.Giatec Scientific. (2024). Why concrete production automation is the key to staying competitive. https://www.giatecscientific.com/education/concrete-production-automation/
9.Providence Capital Funding. (2024). Concrete equipment trends in 2024. https://providencecapitalfunding.com/concrete-equipment-trends-in-2024/
10.American Concrete Institute. ACI 318 and ACI 301 acceptance criteria. https://www.concrete.org/frequentlyaskedquestions.aspx?faqid=37

Best Practices for Quality Standards in Concrete Production