
Soil QC Field Analysis & Decision Framework
Analyze soil test data and make defensible QC pass/fail decisions with documented reasoning
What You Can Do
You can process laboratory and field compaction test data—including Standard/Modified Proctor results, nuclear density gauge readings, sand cone tests, and drive cylinder measurements—to make defensible QC decisions aligned with ASTM, AASHTO, and project-specific standards. The skill structures your analysis across density compliance, moisture verification, and field conditions, then documents non-conformances with clear remediation paths and technical reasoning suitable for stakeholder communication.
Features
automatically evaluate density and moisture data against project requirements with pass/fail determination
integrate visual inspection, soil texture, consistency, and placement conditions into QC decisions
generate structured rejection reports with remediation options and technical justification
synthesize results from nuclear gauges, sand cone, drive cylinder, and lab tests into unified QC recommendation
cross-reference decisions against ASTM D1557, AASHTO T99/T180, and local building code requirements
create defensible reports with test summaries, decisions, and sign-off documentation
explain why results pass or fail with clear technical language for contractor communication
Example Output
Example 1: Fill Layer Pass Decision
Test: Nuclear Density Gauge (NucG)
Location: Subgrade Layer 3, Station 2+45
Dry Density: 118.5 pcf | Specification: ≥117.0 pcf | Status: ✓ PASS
Moisture: 12.3% | Optimum: 11.8% | Status: ✓ Within ±2%
Decision: ACCEPT — Density exceeds requirement by 1.3%. Moisture within acceptable range.
Reason: Fill material meets compaction specification. No remediation required.
Example 2: Embankment Fail with Remediation
Test: Sand Cone Density Test
Location: Embankment Section 4, Lift 2
Dry Density: 114.2 pcf | Specification: ≥115.5 pcf | Status: ✗ FAIL
Deficiency: 1.3 pcf below minimum (1.1% shortfall)
Observation: Material is 1.8% below optimum moisture; uneven compaction visible in northeast quadrant
Remediation: Re-compact section with 3 additional passes; retest within 24 hours
Authorized by: QC Inspector #245 | Date: 2024-01-15
Example 3: Summary Report Extract
| Layer | Test Type | Density Result | Specification | Status | Notes |
|-------|-----------|----------------|----------------|--------|-------|
| Subgrade | NucG | 119.8 pcf | ≥117.0 | ✓ PASS | Excellent |
| Fill #1 | Sand Cone | 115.2 pcf | ≥115.5 | ✗ FAIL | Retest scheduled |
| Fill #2 | NucG | 118.1 pcf | ≥117.0 | ✓ PASS | Moisture 12.1% |
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with decision framework and compliance reference:
- QC Field Checklist: site observation form covering visual inspection, material condition, placement consistency
- Test Data Template: structured worksheet for recording nuclear gauge, sand cone, drive cylinder, and lab results
- Pass/Fail Decision Matrix: specifications cross-reference table (ASTM D1557, T99, T180, typical density/moisture ranges by soil type)
- Non-Conformance Report Template: documentation form for rejections with remediation action plan
- Daily QC Summary Template: end-of-day report aggregating multiple test locations and decisions
Who It's For
- QC Inspectors (Soils) — field personnel making daily pass/fail decisions on fill and subgrade placement
- Construction Superintendents — need rapid, defensible QC decisions to maintain schedule and compliance
- Resident Engineers — field representatives coordinating QC documentation with project specifications
- Project Engineers — reviewing QC reports and non-conformance documentation for technical approval
- Site Managers — tracking compaction progress and managing contractor remediation requests
Best For
- Compaction verification — evaluating nuclear gauge, sand cone, and lab density test results against spec
- Field QC documentation — creating defensible daily reports and non-conformance records
- Subgrade and fill acceptance — making go/no-go decisions on lifts, layers, and sections
- Remediation planning — determining when re-compaction is required and tracking retest results
- Spec compliance confirmation — verifying adherence to ASTM, AASHTO, and project-specific geotechnical requirements







