The National Precast Concrete Association’s efforts to influence specifications in favor of quality precast concrete products has continued to evolve over the last several months. Recently, NPCA conducted an internal audit of all states, cities, entities and government agencies who have specified NPCA Plant Certification requirements in their construction standards. In addition, several new specification requirements have been added at state, city and municipality levels.
NPCA has helped establish new Plant Certification program requirements in three states since October 2019. Arkansas DOT added NPCA Plant Certification to its requirements for box culverts and reinforced concrete pipe. Montana DOT now requires all precast products to be NPCA-certified after previously allowing NPCA Certification for architectural precast as an alternative to its requirements. Alaska DOT, which did not previously require NPCA Plant Certification for any precast concrete products, now requires NPCA Certification for drainage structures, along with sound, MSE and retaining wall products.
Chris Frederick, NPCA’s director of certification and regulatory services, has worked to use existing relationships to find new opportunities within DOTs, cities and other specifying entities. For example, both Oregon and Alaska are part of the Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) Committee in the Northwest.
With newly developed specification requirements in Alaska, Frederick is better equipped to use this as a reference point when working with other DOT officials to develop their precast specifications. Frederick can also better assist officials in cities, counties and municipalities with specification development when NPCA Plant Certification has already been written into state-level specifications.
“This sets the quality standards for precast construction and helps the industry move forward,” Frederick said. “By teaming with DOTs, cities and other specifying agencies, it allows us to offer our expertise.”
This behind-the-scenes work also creates opportunities for precast concrete manufacturers and suppliers to play a key role in developing quality, resilient infrastructure. NPCA encourages members to get involved with the association’s committees to help steer NPCA’s Plant Certification program and to push the needle in favor of quality precast products.
To view a map of current NPCA Plant Certification requirements across the country, visit precast.org/working-for-you. Contact Chris Frederick via email
at [email protected] or call (800) 366-7731 with questions pertaining to NPCA Plant Certification or specification development.
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