PCI eLearning Course T115: Materials and Manufacturing of Precast, Prestressed Concrete-PCI BDM Appendix F

PCI BDM Appendix F

Pdf Summary

The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) has developed various certification programs to ensure quality in the precast concrete industry. The PCI Plant Certification Program, established in 1967, sets the standard for other construction-related certification programs. The program requires plants to develop and document an in-house quality system based on industry standards outlined in the Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of Structural Precast Concrete Products (MNL-116).<br /><br />Each plant must have a custom Quality Systems Manual (QSM) that addresses all operations and is approved by PCI. Plants undergo regular unannounced audits by independent engineers to ensure compliance with standards. Audits are evaluated on strict pass-fail criteria and failing grades lead to loss of certification.<br /><br />Plants can be certified in different product groups, such as architectural concrete products, bridge products, commercial products, and glass fiber reinforced concrete products. These groups have specific categories based on production complexity and reinforcement methods. Products with architectural finishes are included in separate groups within the bridge and commercial product categories.<br /><br />In addition to plant certification, PCI also offers certification for plant quality personnel. There are three levels of certification - Level I, Level II, and Level III, each requiring a different level of industry experience and knowledge. Certification is achieved through examinations and must be renewed every 5 years.<br /><br />PCI certification is endorsed by federal agencies and state departments of transportation. Following PCI standards and obtaining certification has been shown to improve customer satisfaction and reduce the cost of quality. The qualification specification provided can be used to determine the qualifications of precast concrete manufacturers for specific projects.<br /><br />Overall, PCI's certification programs aim to ensure that quality systems are followed, personnel are qualified, and control is maintained throughout the precast concrete production process.

Keywords

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

certification programs

PCI Plant Certification Program

quality system

Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of Structural Precast Concrete Products

Quality Systems Manual

audits

product groups

architectural concrete products

certification for plant quality personnel