Sources: National Precast Concrete Association, Carmel, Ind.; Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Chicago; CP staff
The National Precast Concrete Association and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute have issued a joint document to alleviate confusion in the marketplace regarding certification programs for precast and prestressed concrete products. Posted here, the document allows specifiers to easily determine whether products require NPCA or PCI certification, or if either is allowable. The clarification ensures the accurate specification of certification programs, and that all appropriately certified plants can bid on a project.
“The partnership grows stronger every day, and the clarification that this document provides is a service to specifiers, as well as to members of both organizations,” says NPCA President Fred Grubbe. “Precast concrete products continue to be a critical component of our nation’s infrastructure projects and will be even more prominent when Congress passes a national infrastructure bill in the near future.”
“Members from both organizations have worked together to provide more clarity to owners and specifiers, as well as to our membership and the industry, to ensure that precast and prestressed concrete products remain at the highest possible quality. The ultimate goal is customer satisfaction,” adds PCI President and CEO Bob Risser, P.E.
NPCA and PCI plant certification programs are widely accepted, independent and third party-audited. Working together on the programs has been a priority for both organizations since 2013 as part of a wider effort to align key programs, including their annual trade shows; market development and government affairs activities; technical and safety materials; plus, education and training offerings. NPCA and PCI represent nearly 1,500 precast and prestressed concrete producers, precast erectors and industry equipment or material suppliers. Their memberships also span 3,500-plus architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, developers, service providers, educators and students.