The Concrete Testing Adherence Collaboration (CTAC) program is continuously updating while being expanded across North America. From the way the questionnaire flows to options within the reporting system of the program, the CTAC program is changing for clearer observations and easier analysis of the data for both company managers and regional association partners.
Since 2017, the CTAC program has asked the same four main questions during observations of field concrete testing:
- Is the technician certified?
- Was the concrete sampled correctly?
- Were the tests done correctly?
- Were the specimens subject to proper initial curing?
For the past five years, the CTAC program questionnaire focused on these questions. The goal of these answers is to provide insight into the consistency of concrete testing across companies, regions, and soon, will be able to help us gather details from coast to coast. So how could these questions be updated to better serve the program?
For example, if an observer was watching a technician sample concrete from the concrete chute of a revolving drum mixer, the observer would need to watch the sampling be completed, brought back to the testing area, and watch the concrete be remixed as per the required ASTM Standard, C172 Sampling of Freshly Mixed Concrete.
Now, when an Observer goes through the questionnaire, the questions asked more closely follow the procedures as they occur in the field. The first question, which asks if the technician is certified, is still applicable because most construction sites require a certified technician and should be able to verify their certification prior to sampling and testing concrete. Updates have been made to the other three main questions dependent on the selections made during the observations. This all helps to determine if the field testing followed the appropriate ASTM Standards.
The CTAC reporting side of the program is also experiencing real time improvements. Additional reporting options are being offered due to industry input. In addition to basis aesthetic changes for easier readability, here are a few of the other improvements that can be expected very soon:
- Quicker loading of observation image thumbnails.
- Simpler and cleaner printer options for report sharing.
- Improvement for online and offline (no Mobile Data or Wi-Fi) app use, including confirmation of observation submittals.
- Detailed report tables showing appropriate information for observers or testing technicians, depending on the viewing company and company manager.
- For Company managers that supervise multiple locations, the reporting system can show all observers or testing technicians across all company locations.
The CTAC program has been a growing success in Colorado for several years. For nearly two years now, the program has expanded to several other states and a Canadian province. Since the expansion, the growth within Colorado has slowed due to several reasons including multiple company acquisitions across the industry. As managers change within the industry and in companies, the CTAC program should still be thought of as a very useful tool for improvement.
If you or your company has used the CTAC program in the past, or if you haven’t been actively using the program, please don’t hesitate to contact us at ctac@coloradocaa.org or contact JT Mesite at jt@coloradocaa.org directly to coordinate a presentation or discussion to get more familiar with the CTAC program.
JT Mesite, P.E.
Program Manager
CRMCA
