ACI Partners with Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute to Launch New Adhesive Anchor Installation Certification Program

To satisfy the new ACI 318-11 certification requirements, the following components of the ACI / CRSI certification program were developed by ACI Committee 601-A and its main oversight body, ACI CPC – Certification Program Committee:

•     Development of a 75-question written examination -- The exam covers information on adhesive concrete anchor installation in regards to preparing for installation, drilling anchor holes, cleaning anchor holes, injecting adhesive using cartridge systems, installing adhesive capsule systems, and installing anchors.  The exam was developed under the direction of Professional Testing Services of Orlando, Fla., in accordance with recognized ANSI guidelines.

•     Development of a performance exam – Candidates must be able to read, comprehend, and execute the generic Manufacturer’s Printed Installation Instructions (MPII) for:

o     the installation of an anchor in a vertical-down position, and

o     the ability to inject adhesive to the proper depth into simulated holes in an overhead (vertical-up) position with both a rigid applicator tip and flexible stinger end with piston plug in a manner that produces results meeting program requirements.

The performance examination required creation of a generic MPII, representing the combined content of typical MPIIs from the various anchor manufacturers.  In working with the Concrete Anchor Manufacturers Association (CAMA), a generic set of installation instructions was developed for use in the performance portion of the certification program.

ACI and CRSI completed two pilot programs earlier this year with a total of 35 participants taking both the written and performance examinations.  Based on the results of the pilot programs, passing score criteria were finalized for both the written and performance components of the exam.

At the present time, the ACI/CRSI Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification program is going to market in specific geographical areas.  Typically, ACI Certification programs are sponsored and conducted by Local Sponsoring Groups (LSGs), which include ACI chapters and other concrete-related businesses and associations around the world.  To date, more than 30 LSGs have signed on to prepare and eventually conduct this certification program.  Presently, the following groups have undergone the LSG orientation class and are currently positioned to offer the Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification program: ACI Illinois Chapter, ACI Eastern Pennsylvania & Delaware Chapter, and the ACI San Diego International Chapter.  Other LSGs are in the process of being oriented into the program mechanics.  The phase-in period is expected to be commensurate with the adoption of ACI 318-11 into revised editions of local building codes and/or incorporation of the requirements into project construction documents by licensed design professionals.

As with many of ACI’s certification programs, a training program is currently in development for the Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification program to allow certification candidates to train and study before taking the certification tests.  The training program is expected to be ready by the end of 2011.

Interested parties may receive additional information on the Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification program by visiting www.ACICertification.com or by calling 248-848-3800.  A directory of ACI Local Sponsoring Groups that conduct certification testing can be found by visiting the following website: http://www.concrete.org/CERTIFICATION/CERT_SPON.HTM.