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The Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association (PACA) continues to schedule additional classes for these certification programs. Information on these programs can be found at https://www.pacaweb.org/certification-exams

Certified Concrete Finishers Course   

 


Pennsylvania and other states are finding that details within the concrete finishing process can be as important as the physical concrete itself in influencing product quality and longevity. The goal of the Certified Concrete Finishers Course is to help eliminate mistakes with concrete finishing, including the occurrence of scaling on state and local projects. Rework due to concrete scaling can be expensive to all stakeholders and can create a stigma of poor-quality work.  

How Does It Work?


All PennDOT and consultant inspectors and concrete finishers receive training to better understand the mechanisms that cause scaling, so they can better identify it and monitor field practices. Concrete finishers who complete the course, consisting of classroom and hands-on training, will receive formal certification. A training video is planned for contractors to demonstrate how to identify and monitor field practices to improve quality. 

close-up of finishers curing concrete

What Are The Benefits?

By certifying concrete finishers and training inspectors, the Certified Concrete Finishers Course will help increase quality and longevity of finished concrete. The main benefits of this innovation include providing a basic standard in which finishers are trained and certified, which can lead to longer product lifespan, savings in time and money on costly repairs and rework, and the ability to have new and existing staff trained in the proper finishing techniques. 

Innovation in Motion

 

A pilot class was held in June 2019. The single day training included a half day of classroom instruction and a half day of hands-on training, where attendees practiced finishing techniques on square slabs of concrete. Following the pilot, classes were conducted during several PennDOT District Winter Schools.

Training and certification is being performed by the Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association, the Pittsburgh Chapter of American Concrete Institute (ACI), and the Eastern PA Delaware Chapter of ACI. In the future, PennDOT personnel will offer training to staff and contractors across the state.

More Information

For more information about this innovation, contact the STIC Management Team.