Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contractors & Certification
Contractors, Engineers, Stormwater Managers or Developers that wish to become "Certified" as either Technicians, or as Craftsmen, should become familiar with the requirements in their area. Many may opt for certification at a local, or state level. However, most individuals will want a Nationally-recognized certification. The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) has organized a National-level program to certify those individuals that may wish to become certified as a Technician, Installer, or as a Craftsmen. A list of local and state sponsoring groups is included in the information listed on the site. Sponsoring groups (may) also maintain a list of individuals that have been certified by their organization. The NRMCA program is eventually slated to become a part of the ACI Certification program.
This page also contains Sections on: General Contractors and Concrete Sub-Contractors, The NRMCA National Certification program and Looking for a Contractor in a "Request for Bid". (Click on your "back-button" to return to this list.)
General Contractors and Concrete Sub-Contractors
have an increased interest in the construction of Pervious Concrete Pavements.
Most States now have at least a few projects completed, even if the projects are
for demonstration
purposes.
Don Wade has recently organized "first-time" demo projects in Cleveland, Ohio (for the
Ohio Ready Mixed Concrete Association),
Las Vegas, Nevada (for the California/Nevada
Cement Promotion Group) and Springfield, Missouri (for the
Concrete Promotion Council of the Ozarks).
This picture is of a training-demo showing tools and special procedures required for the place-and-finish of pervious concrete.
The NRMCA National Certification Program is basically a two-part program. The first part, is Certification as a "Technician". This involves reading the manual, "Pervious Concrete Contractor Certification", and taking a one-day class and test. A passing score of 70% will result in being certified as a Technician. To become Certified as a "Craftsman", one must not only "first" become a Technician, but also have 3,000 "documented" hours of time spent "placing & finishing" Pervious Concrete. That equates to 75-weeks of 40-hour days spent doing nothing but placing and finishing Pervious Concrete pavement. Also, the Craftsman must be ACI-Certified as, at least a "Flatwork-Technician" to indicate a sufficient knowledge of Concrete in general. To become Certified as a ACI-Certified Flatwork "Craftsman" requires 4500 hours of applicable work experience.
Both, the ACI Certification programs, and the NRMCA Pervious Concrete Certification Program will be offered Nation-wide in various locations by different sponsoring groups. It is up to the Concrete Contractor to locate the facilities giving the classes and exams in their areas. Follow the "links above (underlined in blue) to either the ACI programs, or the NRMCA program.
Contractor Experience: Many State Agencies have opted to Certify Concrete Contractors as "Installers" after having completed from one to ten projects. This is generally not enough experience to qualify for large projects. In many cases, one project can be completed in just one day. One day's experience is not enough. Even ten project/days may not be enough if all projects were small. The NRMCA recommends from 1500 to 3000 hours to be Certified as a "Craftsman". It is to the best interest of everyone that only NRMCA Certified Craftsmen be employed to "Supervise" construction of large projects.
Looking for a Contractor in a "Request for Bids"
General Contractors may be looking for a competent sub-contractor to bid, or act as Sole Source Contractor, for the Pervious Concrete pavements on their project. Selecting a good contractor is always critical in any concrete work. It is even more critical in Pervious Concrete work because not all concrete contractors have an equal knowledge and experience to work with this unique material.
It may be in the best interest of the Owner/Developer to select a Sole Source Contractor. (See the Sole Source Justification page.)
Important: Because of the lack of standardized test for quality control and acceptance of Pervious Concrete, it is critical that whoever is making the decisions for acceptance of both the fresh concrete, and the finished pavement, that they are qualified to do so. The decision-maker must have adequate knowledge and experience to recognize the essential properties of Pervious Concrete, and know how to make field-adjustments. (Note: Both the NRMCA, and the National Institute of Building Sciences, recognize that only NRMCA Certified "Craftsmen" have the 1500-3000 hours of experience necessary as a basis of qualification.)
(See the Section on Criteria for Acceptance on the Details & Specifications Page.)
Don Wade has the experience in Pervious Concrete placements that may be required for any project in the Nation. This experience is vitally important to be able to recognize potential problems in site conditions and material properties, and for LEED Certifications. Don is a Industry Consultant and can help to create the right combination of Engineering, Design and Construction of any project. Contact Don at the beginning of your next pervious concrete project.