NRMCA debuts Improving Concrete Quality course

Geared to concrete producers, material suppliers, engineers, testing labs and contractors, a new one-day course explores ways to quantify tangible and intangible benefits attributable to improving quality. Modeled on National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s new publication Improving Concrete Quality, it premiers Wednesday, October 15 in Silver Spring, Md. 

Author and NRMCA Vice President, Technical Services Karthik Obla and fellow instructors will discuss variability associated with concrete ingredient materials, manufacturing and testing—means to measure and thereby improve product quality. Basic statistical concepts will be presented to measure and monitor quality and recognize when action is needed. Producers will learn readily implementable steps to manage variability and attain a more consistent product; suppliers will learn how material variation affects concrete variation; engineers will learn of opportunities for improving quality through specifications; and, testing lab professionals will learn to measure and improve testing quality.

Joining Obla as instructors are Beton Consulting Engineers principal Kevin MacDonald, Ph.D., FACI, and NRMCA Senior Vice President of Engineering Colin Lobo, Ph.D., P.E. Participants completing the course will earn eight professional development hours and credits toward NRMCA’s STEPS program. Additional information and registration can be obtained at www.nrmca.org/education.