How are testing locations determined and who are they approved by?

• A. Determined by random number generator; approved by the Engineer or Department
• B. Determined by contractor's preference; approved by the client
• C. Determined by field crew; approved by the chief inspector
• D. Determined by client; approved by the project manager

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that testing locations should be chosen randomly so the results represent conditions across the entire area, and the plan must be approved by the Engineer or QA/QC Department to keep it aligned with project requirements. Random selection prevents bias toward easier or favorable spots, helping to reveal true variability in material properties or compaction across the site. Having the Engineer or department approve the locations and testing plan provides the necessary oversight and ensures the approach meets contract specs and is auditable. In earthwork testing, this objective sampling is crucial because soil conditions can vary widely, and representative testing helps verify that the work meets the required standards. Approaches that rely on contractor preference, field crew choice, or client-driven decisions can introduce bias or dilute oversight, making the results less reliable.