Acceptance Plan Categories

Statistical acceptance plans can be categorized according to their specification limits and decision criteria structure. Depending upon the category, different components of the plan will carry different levels of importance. These categories are (Freeman and Grogan, 1998¹):

• Single specification limit, single decision criterion. Single specification limits are used when a material must be controlled above a minimum or below a maximum. An AQL is set and material is either accepted or rejected based on it. There is no pay factor provision.
• Single specification limit, dual decision criteria. An AQL and RQL are set. Material at or above AQL is accepted at full or bonus pay while material below RQL is rejected. Material with an estimated quality level between AQL and RQL is usually accepted at reduced pay according to a pay scale.
• Dual specification limits, single decision criterion. Dual specification limits are used when a material must be controlled within a range of values. The percent of material between these values is calculated as the PWL and compared to the AQL. Material is then either accepted or rejected. There is no pay factor provision.
• Dual specification limits, dual decision criteria. An AQL and RQL are set. Material at or above AQL is accepted at full or bonus pay while material below RQL is rejected. Material with an estimated quality level between AQL and RQL is usually accepted at reduced pay according to a pay scale.

@misc{pavint-acceptance-plan-categories,
  author = {{Pavement Interactive}},
  title = {Acceptance Plan Categories},
  year = {2026},
  publisher = {HeadLight},
  howpublished = {\url{https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/qc-qa/statistical-acceptance/acceptance-plan-categories/}},
  note = {Accessed [date]}
}