The precast concrete industry was an early adopter of self-consolidating concrete, and now its use is continuing to expand in other applications. Since the American Concrete Institute Concrete Field Testing Technician certification does not include SCC test methods, a need arose for a certification program that does. ACI recently introduced a new certification program to address the increased use of SCC.
The SCC Testing Technician Certification is given to individuals who demonstrate their knowledge and ability to properly perform these five ASTM International SCC-related standard test methods and practices:
NPCA file photo: The process to achieve ACI SCC Testing Technician Certification includes one day of classroom review and another day for written and performance exams.
- ASTM C1610/C1610M, “Standard Test Method for Static Segregation of Self-Consolidating Concrete Using Column Technique”
- ASTM C1611/C1611M, “Standard Test Method for Slump Flow of Self-Consolidating Concrete”
- ASTM C1621/C1621M, “Standard Test Method for Passing Ability of Self-Consolidating Concrete by J-Ring”
- ASTM C1712 – “Standard Test Method for Rapid Assessment of Static Segregation Resistance of Self-Consolidating Concrete Using Penetration Test”
- ASTM C1758/C1758M, “Standard Practice for Fabricating Test Specimens with Self-Consolidating Concrete”
Individuals must obtain a passing score on the written examination and successfully complete the performance examination to get certified.
NPCA photo Claude Goguen, NPCA director of outreach and technical education, takes part in the performance exam portion of the certification process.
The one-hour written exam is a closed-book, multiple choice test that is approximately 50 questions. Participants must correctly answer 60% of the questions in each section and score 70% overall. The performance exam is a closed-book, actual demonstration of the required test methods and practices.
A technician workbook, “Technician Workbook for ACI Certification of Self-Consolidating Concrete Testing Technician,” is sent out to the individual seeking certification by the local sponsoring groups.
Claude Goguen, NPCA’s director of outreach and technical education, got certified in July 2019. The program took place over two days with one day for classroom review and another for the written and performance exams.
“I don’t personally perform these tests every day, so I had to prepare by reviewing my workbook ahead of time,” Goguen said. “I’m glad I did since there was a lot to learn and memorize in that one-day classroom review. I studied that night and succeeded in getting my certification.”
Goguen suggests NPCA members who manufacture SCC should consider sending their quality assurance/quality control technician(s) to obtain this certification as it is a great learning opportunity. The certification ensures the tests are performed correctly and prepares for the possibility of DOTs and other jurisdictions making this certification mandatory for SCC users.
NPCA members can find a local testing center and dates of certification here.
The certification is valid for five years from the date of testing. More information about the program can be found here.
Leave a Reply