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 certiï¬cation program. The vehicle by which a certiï¬cation 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 certiï¬cation of persons performing as shotcrete nozzleman. As Chair of this committee, it is my pleasure to announce that this certiï¬cation 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 certiï¬cation 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 certiï¬cation program. Today, certiï¬cation of a shotcrete nozzleman through this ACI program provides nozzlemen with not only improved knowledge and skills but also with international recognition as craftsmen.