As a member of the American Shotcrete Association (ASA) since its inception, and as a member of the shotcrete industry for even longer, I have been an active participant in the debate over the importance of shotcrete nozzleman certification. For years, very few throughout the industry disagreed with the need for a nozzleman certification program. The vehicle by which a certification program could be delivered, however, was argued and debated by industry members everywhere!
American Concrete Institute
In 1997, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) established ACI Committee C 660, Shotcrete Nozzleman Certification, with the mandate to develop, maintain, and update programs for use in the certification of persons performing as shotcrete nozzleman. As Chair of this committee, it is my pleasure to announce that this certification program is now fully operational, and since its launch at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas in 2001, almost 300 nozzlemen throughout North America have been granted certification by ACI.
For years, the shotcrete industry has recognized the need for stringent standards with respect to the quality of the shotcrete process. In addition to good quality, well-proportioned shotcrete mixtures and suitable equipment, shotcrete nozzlemen are certainly a key element in this process. ACI Committee C 660 has delivered a credible and thorough program with strict policies, guidelines, and procedures that respond to the demands of our industry. A select group of experienced and acknowledged shotcrete experts have been approved by ACI to act as examiners for the certification program. Today, certification of a shotcrete nozzleman through this ACI program provides nozzlemen with not only improved knowledge and skills but also with international recognition as craftsmen.