|
|
|
|
|
|
| HOME INFORMATION LIST OF MEMBERS PUBLICATIONS LINKS GALLERY NEWSLETTER MEMBER'S AREA | ||||
ABOUT THE SCA
The Sprayed Concrete Association was originally formed in 1976 by a small group of leading Gunite Contractors. Although the Association has grown considerably, the Members remain committed to the following aims:-
Recognising that the quality of sprayed concrete and its reputation is dependent on the operatives in the field, the Association has worked closely with CITB to introduce an NVQ for operatives.
SCA Membership is divided into four categories as follows. Full Members: contracting companies, based in the UK engaged and established in sprayed concrete; who have demonstrated their financial stability and technical ability, provided a proven track record and employ only fully qualified nozzlemen on sprayed concrete contracts. Associate Members: Manufacturers, companies and organisations directly concerned with sprayed concrete work, materials or equipment. Overseas Members: As Full Members but based overseas; and Consultant/Honorary Members. Click here to request a membership pack.
There is a disputes service for clients using a member of the Association in the unlikely event of a problem arising. SCA also has a CDROM presentation which is available to engineering practices, consultancies, main contractors etc about the use and application of sprayed concrete. To book a presentation ring SCA Office on 01420 471622.
The SCA has worked closely with Simon Austin (Loughborough University) over the years to advance the development of spraying techniques including fibre reinforcements. Loughborough University is now working closely with several SCA members in an adventurous piece of research to take construction technology way beyond anything the industry has seen to date. Click here for more information on Freeform Construction: Mega-scale rapid manufacturing for construction.
SCA and EFNARC have jointly produced a European Specification for Sprayed Concrete which is available on the publications download page.
TECHNICAL ENQUIRIES
If you require assistance with a sprayed concrete project or have a technical query simply click on the link and email your question to the SCA office. Alternatively you are welcome to address any specific technical query directly to individual SCA members.
Any advice is provided without obligation or liability on the part of the SCA and its members.
Or
click here
to E-mail:
CPD SEMINARS
SCA has a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified seminar aimed at professionals who are directly involved with, or need to gain a better understanding of sprayed concrete.
The CPD programme addresses the need for correct specification and design, preparation, mix design, selection of materials and application. The seminar programme is approximately sixty minutes in duration and ideally suited to a lunchtime presentation format. Alternatively, it can be included as part of an organised event involving a number of 'linked' presentations, or to form part of an in-house training programme.
The seminar has been certified as conforming to industry CPD guidelines by the 'CPD Certification Service'. All professionals attending receive a CPD certificate.
For further details regarding the presentation, or to book a seminar, please contact SCA.
TRAINING
The Sprayed Concrete Association believes that structured training is a fundamental requirement in essential as the success of spraying concrete relies heavily on the skills of the nozzleman and his team. It is vitally important therefore that specifiers and designers insist upon and verify the background and training methods adopted by their prospective contractors.
The Sprayed Concrete Association has for many years recommended a formal record keeping, training and certification scheme. The nozzleman’s actions on site are crucial in maintaining the quality and consistency of the final product. With the dry process they control water content and hence the mix design. With both dry and wet processes their skills determine the density and compaction of the sprayed material and the prevention of voids and “shadows” behind reinforcement. They will be able to place material overhead in multiple layers whilst minimising rebound and overspray, and will also be able to achieve the required surface finish to the sprayed material. His support team will often hand batch materials and certainly be responsible for providing the nozzleman with a constant supply of controlled materials without risk of inconsistency or blockage.
Many of these skills will be learnt on site through experience. On site apprenticeship and training provides a firm grounding to trainees.
The desired result is a fully trained nozzleman who is not only capable of spraying concrete but also able to create test pieces for checking. He must also be able to understand the technicalities of the process. It is vital therefore that training and certification within the industry is both supported and maintained. Any reluctance to provide that commitment could result in substandard work or potentially dangerous structures and the resultant Health and Safety risks.
If you appreciate and understand good training, and wish to employ personnel who are well trained, you will understand that the best education comes from experienced specialists with an in-depth knowledge of their subject. It is not enough to turn to general industrial or tertiary sources or, even worse, general consultancies with little specialist awareness as they lack the detailed knowledge and understanding of sprayed concrete.
SCA offer training via its training officers John Aveling and Pat Quarton. Contact the association for more information.