DEPARTMENT ORDERS

MC # 80

June 1978

LOG BOOK ON MATERIALS QUALITY CONTROL

1. Prepared by all materialsmen
2. Must be prepared in a narrative form
3. Project Activities, QC activities, & comments should be
entered daily
4. Be kept available for inspecting officials of the dept.
5. Shall be submitted to the RD with other project records for
file & future references
6. Format includes DATE & DAY, WEATHER, PROJECT
ACTIVITIES, MATERIALS QC ACTIVITIES,
COMMENTS
7. Signed by materialsman in-charge

MC # 103

Aug 1978

COST OF MATERIALS QUALITY CONTROL

1. Range of Road Construction/
% for Material
Imprvt Cost Sub-total
Quality Control
Below 100,000
2.5%
100,000 300,000
2.0%
300,000 750,000
1.75%
750,000 2M
1.5%
2M 5M
1.25%
5M up
1.0%
For BRIDGE or STRUCTURE PROJECTS, the
percentage shall be the % of the equivalent road cost
For BARANGAY ROADS & other MINOR ROADS
(FTMR), the cost shall be for the same cost
For MAINTENANCE operations, Annual Maintenance
programs shall include in the DC 0.75% of the estimated
cost for quality control purposes

MC # 14

Jan 1981

PREPARATION OF POW/BUDGET COST ESTIMATE

& QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAMS
1. QC is not a part of Engineering & Administrative Overhead
Expenses. It is a part of construction activity for the
performance of the required QC tests & inspection
activities to accomplish each item of work in a project
2. QC shall be entered as a distinct cost but part of the cost of
the item & shall be based on the percentages indicated in
MC # 103

MC # 38

Nov 1981

CERTIFICATE OF QUALITY CONTROL ASSURANCE

1. Shall be accomplished during the progress of the work in
all construction project whether by contract or
administration
2. Shall be submitted after each quarter of the month

MO # 28

Aug 1985

GUIDELINES ON THE SUBMISSION OF SAMPLES

1. All samples should be submitted with the corresponding
Sample Card
2. Sample Card should be accomplished & duly signed by
authorized representative of agency submitting the sample

3. Information required in the Sample Card should be

completed & accurate
4. If additional information relative to the submission of
sample is required, consult the chief of laboratory
5. The minimum quantity of materials in a sample should be
as follows:
a. Portland Cement
10 kg
b. Asphaltic Materials/Mix
5L/10 kg
c. Aggregates
Coarse Aggregate
0.03 cum
Fine Aggregate
0.03 cum
d. Soil Aggregates
Classification
0.01 cum
Routine Tests
0.03 cum
CBR
0.06 cum
Lab. Compaction
0.06 cum
e. Concrete Mix Design(Concrete/Asphalt)
Coarse Aggregates
0.05 cum
Fine Aggregates
0.03 cum
Mineral Filler
0.01 cum
Portland Cement
40 kg
Bituminous Material
5L
f. Non-reinforced Concrete Pipe 2 pipes
g. Reinforced Concrete Pipe
1 pipe/50 pcs
h. Steel Pipes (Galvanized)
2 pcs of
150 mm long
from end
i. CHB
Strength
3 units
Moisture Content
3 units
j. Reinforced Steel Bars
1m
k. Steel Sheet (Galvanized)
1 sheet
l. Wire, Wire Strand, Wire Rope 2 m
m. Paints
1 4-L can or
1 20-L can
original
n. Curing Compound
1L
o. Joint Filler, Pre-molded
1 400 mm x
400 m
DO # 13

April 1987

SAMPLING & TESTING OF CONSTRUCTION

MATERIALS
1. Sample should be taken from the materials stocked at the
plant/projects sites
2. For samples to be tested at the DPWH Field Laboratory,
sampling & testing should be fully supervised by the
government engineer
3. Where the DPWH RO & District Laboratories do not have
the facilities to perform test on samples of construction
materials, testing shall be allowed in testing
laboratories/private installations accredited, provided that
the testing shall be witnessed by authorized government
representatives
4. For small contract projects of the department located in
remote areas where the quantity of cement to be used is too
small & where there are no accessible testing laboratories
to check the quality of the materials, exception on the
requirements for the performance of laboratory test on
cement prior to use may be allowed, provided that trial

mixes shall be done for every batch of delivery & that the
mixes meet the concrete strength requirements
5. Testing of steel bars by the DPWH- accredited
laboratories/private institutions shall be allowed provided
that the testing shall be witnessed by the authorized
government representatives. For small projects located in
remote areas where the quantity of steel bars is 10,000 kg
or less, mill certificates may be used as basis for acceptance
of the material
DO # 55

May 1989

SUBMISSION OF MATERIALS QC REPORTS &

OTHER RELATED DOCUMENTS
Documents to be submitted to the regional office level only of
both the Construction & Maintenance Projects
1. Monthly Materials Reports
a. summary report of field test
b. status of test
c. worksheets of all tests
d. test report on concrete samples
e. inspection reports/ certifications
f. design mixes & with adjustments
g. progress report
2. CQCA & other quarterly report
3. Statement of Work Accomplished per progress billing

DO # 80

April 1990

INCLUSION OF THE MINIMUM MATERIALS

TESTING EQUIPMENT IN THE PRE-QUALIFICATION
OF CONTRACTORS

DO # 45

Feb 1991

USE OF BITUMINOUS COLD-MIX FOR POTHOLES

PATCHING
1. This is to facilitate the patching of potholes during the
rainy/wet periods
2.
See Technical Guidelines

DO # 83

June 1991

PROPER CONSTRUCTION & SEALING OF JOINTS

ON CONCRETE PAVEMENT
1. Enforce strictly the provision prescribed in Section 311.3.
3.12
2. The depth of the weakened joint should be at all times not
less than 50 mm while the width should not be more than 6
mm
3. All joints should be sealed with asphalt sealant prior to
opening to traffic

DO # 137

June 1991

REVISED CRITERIA FOR RATING QUALITY

CONTROL IN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

MC # 97

Aug 1991

BOREHOLE FILLING AFTER CORE DRILLING

OPERATION ON NEWLY CONSTRUCTED
CONCRETE & ASPHALT PAVEMENTS
1. Core boring crew to immediately fill/restore all boreholes
with the prescribed concrete/asphalt mix after completion
of the drilling works

2. In no case should core boring crew allowed to leave for

drilling operation without necessary materials & equipment
for filling (cement, sand, gravel, shovel & tamper)
MEMO

Jan 1992

STANDARD PROCEDURE IN THE CONSTRUCTION

OF RIPRAP & GROUTED RIPRAP
1. The spaces between the stones shall then be filled with
cement mortar throughout the thickness of the riprap as
specified in Subsection 504.2.3

DMC

Mar 1992

POSSIBLE USE OF COCOLUMBER IN SCHOOL

BUILDING
Various Limitations to be considered on the use of cocolumber
1. The variation in density is not limited to the transverse
direction but also in the longitudinal direction. From the
basal portion containing approximately 50% cocohard, the
trunk graduates to 100% cocosoft so that the top third
portion of the trunk is cut-off & discarded
2. The strength properties of cocosoft are so low that it is not
considered suitable for use as a structural material
3. Untreated cocohard lumber was completely destroyed by
termites after 10 months while 4 years, that make it
necessary to properly treat cocolumber with preservative
4. The small diameter of the coconut truk limits the sizes of
the various grades that can be produced. Bigger sections
typically will be a mixture of grades
5. Therefore, the use for cocolumber for load
bearing(structural) applications is not allowed until
effective implementation of product & manufacturing
standards as well as licensing/monitoring system in the sale
& distribution of the material has been enforced
6. However, the use of cocolumber as building material may
be allowed for minor components, such as ceiling joists &
studs for interior walls provided the said material is
properly dried & treated with preservative

DO # 55

May 1992

USE OF DIFFERENT BRANDS OR SAME BRANDS OF

CEMENT IN CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
1. Due to the scarcity of cement
2. The use of different brands of Portland Cement Type I &
Portland-Pozzolan Cement Type IP from different mills
whether imported or locally produced may be allowed
provided they pass the requirements of AASTHO M 95
(ASTM C 450)
3. Effectivity of this order shall cease once the supply &
availability of cement returns to normal

DO # 57

May 1992

TESTING & ACCEPTANCE OF CEMENT

To facilitate acceptance of cement
1. Compressive Strength of mortar samples tested at 3 days &
7 days can be considered for acceptance
2. The strength of the samples at 7 days is not less than 23.46
Mpa which is 85% of the compressive strength requirement
for 28 days (27.6 Mpa) when tested in accordance with
ASTM C 150

DO # 119

Aug 1992

DO # 202

Nov 1992

DO # 135

May 1993

THICKNESS DETERMINATION FOR CONCRETE &

ASPHALT PAVEMENTS
1. Subsections 307.3.10 & 311.3.22, on thickness
determination be strictly complied
2. No acceptance & final payment shall be made on
completed concrete & asphalt pavements unless core test
for thickness determination is conducted
3. Exception for Barangay Roads where the implementing
office is allowed to waive such test, per Memo dated July
9, 1990
USE OF REFLECTORIZED THERMOPLASTIC
PAVEMENT MARKINGS BASED ON DPWH
STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS
TESTING & ACCEPTANCE OF CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS
1. Only test reports issued by the Regional/District
Laboratories of the department & other testing laboratories
accredited by the DPWH shall be allowed to be used in the
acceptance or rejection of construction materials
2. In instance wherein the DPWH does not have the capability
to perform tests which are highly technical in nature due to
absence of sophisticated laboratory testing equipment, test
reports from other testing laboratories with such capability
shall be honored, provided testing is witnessed by
authorized government representative

DO # 229

July 1993

GUIDELINES ON SOIL SURVEY & SAMPLING FOR

HIGHWAY DESIGN & SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION
FOR DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION OF FOUNDATION
OF BRIDGES

DO # 29

Jan 1994

UTILIZING FIRST THE SERVICES OF THE BRS,

REGIONAL & DISTRICT LABORATORIES OF THE
DPWH IN TESTING OF SAMPLES OF
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

DO # 53

March 1994

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION & CERTIFICATE

OF ACCEPTANCE
Certificate of Completion
1. Shall be issued by the Implementing Office upon request of
the contractor, the recommendation of the PE & submission
of the of the Final Inspection Report of the Inspectorate
Team
2. For District Offices, the Inspectorate Team shall be
represented by the Planning & design, Construction,
Maintenance, Quality Control & implementing section
3. A 1-year warranty period shall start at the date of
completion of the project as indicated in the Certificate of
Completion
Certificate of Acceptance
1. Shall be issued by the Head of Implementing Office after
one-year warranty period & after all defects & failures, if
any, by the Contractor to the satisfaction of the PE
2. Shall be issued after the submission of an Acceptance
Report by the Inspectorate Team

DO # 83

April 1994

TESTING OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

INTENDED FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE
PROJECTS
1. All construction materials intended for regular maintenance
projects, regardless of quantity shall be covered by the
Revised Schedule of Minimum Test Requirements
Governing Items of Work
2. In no case should the materials be allowed to be
incorporated into the work without prior tests

DO # 82

May 1996

CALIBRATION OF TESTING EQUIPMENT OF THE

REGIONAL & DISTRICT OFFICES
1. Testing equipment should be calibrated regularly, at least
once a year
2. Should be conducted with adequate training & experience

DO # 177

Nov 1996

STANDARDIZATION OF MATERIAL TEST REPORTS

1. Test reports using the prescribed formats may be manually
or computer-generated & should bear the official seal of the
RO or District Office
2. Where the office has the capability to adopt the computerbased system, the Users Manual on the Materials Testing
System (MTS) shall serve as a guide in the operation of the
system

MC # 48

May 1997

DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF SOIL IN-PLACE

BY SAND CONE METHOD
1. AASHTO T-147 utilizes the rock factor of 0.0003781 in
getting the weight of the coarse material taken from hole,
contrary to the provision under the latest edition of
standards
2. This is the revised method & to be adapted

DO 127

July 1997

GUIDELINES FOR RECORING OF CONCRETE

PAVEMENT & CONCRETE STRUCTURES FOR
STRENGTH DETERMINATION
1. Recoring of sections of the concrete pavement that failed to
meet the strength requirement after the usual core boring
test will be allowed to give the contractors last recourse to
prove the adequacy of the concrete-in-place. However, all
requests for recoring test must be valid & justified
2. Recoring shall be done on sections or area of the concrete
pavement or structures represented by the failed core
samples
3. Request for recoring shall be made by the contractor within
2 weeks after the official result of the coring test has been
released
4. The DPWH has the option to approve/disapprove request
for recoring based on the level of defect (i.e. occurrence of
major scaling, transverse crack associated with settlement,
massive crackings,etc.) or extent of strength deficiency
5. A new coring bit shall be used for taking samples to ensure
that the core itself will not be damaged during the process.

Thus, the contractor shall be required to provide one, if the

need arises
6. All costs to be incurred in connection with the said recoring
test shall be charged to the contractor
7. Evaluation of core samples shall be in accordance with
Section 311.3.20
8. The results of the recoring test shall be final as no
subsequent recoring test will be allowed thereafter
MEMO

Jan 1999

GUIDELINES FOR IMPOSITION OF

ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS ON ERRING
ENGINEERS INVOLVED IN THE DEFECTIVE
IMPLEMENTATION OF DPWH PROJECTS

DO # 3

Jan 1999

STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR CHEMICAL

ADMIXTURES FOR CONCRETE
1. In no case should any chemical admixture for concrete be
accepted for use without prior test & without complying to
the requirements
2. Types
A Accelerating
B Retarding
C Water-Reducing
D Water-Reducing High Range
E Water-Reducing & Accelerating
F Water-Reducing & Retarding
G Water-Reducing, High Range & Retarding
3. Sampling by grab or composite sampling

DO # 29

Feb 1999

PROPER CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES FOR

CONCRETE PAVEMENT REBLOCKING
1. Adequate barricades & traffic warning signs shall be
installed
2. Cutting of the defective Section shall be done on a per
block basis, using concrete saw to the specified depth &
shall be broken into pieces using a pavement breaker
(jackhammer)
3. Spoils from demolished/excavated materials shall not be
allowed to be stockpiled at the sidewalk or roadway & shall
be removed immediately to prevent obstruction
4. Re-preparation & compaction of the base to the required
density shall be done prior to concreting using vibrating
rollers & pneumatic tire rollers, or when not possible, a
portable/mechanical compactor shall be used
5. At transverse construction joints, holes of 260 mm diameter
& spaced at 300 mm shall be drilled at of the existing
pavement thickness so as to permit the load transfer device
(250 mm diameter plain dowel bars) to be inserted at of
its length. The said device shall be installed firmly at the
holes & shall be held in position parallel to the surface of
the slab. The dowel bars shall be painted with red lead &
the surface of of the length to be inserted shall be coated
with concrete epoxy while the other-half shall be coated
with approved bituminous materials
6. If reinforcing steel bars are used, mortar blocks of approved
dimension shall be installed at specific intervals to maintain
uniform clearance from the base

7. Transverse contraction joints shall be cut using a concrete

saw to the required depth (1/4 to 1/3 of the concrete
pavement thickness) & width as shown on the approved
plans
8. All joints shall be sufficiently sealed with asphalt sealant
prior to opening to vehicular traffic
9. The use of Type III Portland Cement meeting the
requirements of AASHTO M-85 for high-early strength
mix or Type I Portland Cement with accelerating
admixtures conforming to the requirements of AASHTO
M-194 shall be used
10. The entire surface of the newly placed concrete shall be
cured with either one of the curing materials specified In
Item 703
DO # 184

Sept 1999

GUIDELINES ON THE ACCREDITATION OF

CONTRACTORS & CONSULTANTS MATERIALS
ENGINEERS
1. Must be a registered & licensed civil engineers
2. Classification
80 & above
Materials Engineer II
60 79
Materials Engineer I
3. Assignment
ME II
One project, no cost limit
ME I
One project, not more than 30 M
4. Accreditation Requirements
a. Duly accomplished application form
b. Xeroxed copy of PRC ID
c. 2 x 2 photographs
5. Issuance of Certificate of Accreditation
a. A Certificate of Accreditation & an Accreditation
ID will be issued to successful examinees
b. The Certificate of Accreditation, unless revoked or
suspended for cause, shall be valid for 3 years from
the date it was issued, & shall be renewed thereafter
6. Schedule every 2nd Saturday of March, June, September
& December
7. Place Manila, San Fernando City in La Union, Cebu City
& Davao City

DO # 59

Feb 2000

SHARE OF THE REGIONAL/DISTRICT MATERIALS

QUALITY CONTROL DIVISION/SECTION FROM
THE ENGINEERING SUPERVISION &
ADMINISTRATIVE OVERHEAD
1. District
Retention from funds Released for ESAO
2.25%
Share of QC Unit
of 2.25% (min)
2. The usual MOOE funds, as well as those intended for soil
survey & sub-surface exploration activities, shall continue
to be provided to the Division/District Offices
3. DO # 44 March 1999 ESAO Share
a. Regular Infra
Foreign Assisted 2.0%
Locally Funded 2.5%
b. Outside Infra
School Building 2.5%
Calamity Fund
2.75%
Quick Response 2.75%

DA/FTMR
2.0%
RUDIP
2.5%
c. Projects each costing P50,000 & below are not
subject to the above-mentioned retention
DO # 76

Mar 2000

REVISED SCHEDULE OF FEES & CHARGES FOR

LABORATORY TESTING OF CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS

DO # 216

Nov 2000

PROJECT RECORDS
All PE shall faithfully maintain the following aside from
the Contract Documents, Plans & Specifications
1. Progress of Work
2. Diary or Log
3. Tests of Materials
4. Minutes of all meetings
5. Correspondence
6. Construction Schedules
7. Change Order logs & records
8. Contractors requests for payment
9. Sureties & insurance certificates
10. Monthly Progress Reports