Since 1990, students at the University of Arkansas enrolled in CVEG 2113-Structural Materials have been required to become certified by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) as field testing technician, Grade 1. Students must pass both the written and performance portions of the exam. A student's final grade for the course is effected by the results of this exercise. This program offers the students the opportunity to develop a skill that will be beneficial to them as they progress through their engineering carreers. This certification can improve the students job opportunities while in school and may aid them in finding employment upon graduation. Students receive training from the course instructor in addition to a member of the local cement and concrete industry. Use is made of ACI and Portland Cement Association (PCA) educational materials. Students also have many opportunities to ask questions and practice for the performance portion of the exam. In cooperation with the Arkansas Ready-Mixed Concrete Association and local ACI chapter, the certification test is administered twice a year on the Arkansas-Fayetville campus. After completing eight programs, roughly 160 students have taken the test and less than five percent have failed to pass. This paper presents details on how one might incorporate the ACI certification program within a civil engineering curriculum. Issues covered include establishing contact with the local body sanctioned to administer the exam, instruction and hands-on training, the logistics of giving the exam, grading, and potential problems. Costs and benefits of such a program are also addressed. It is felt that through a program such as this one, students are better educated, motivated, and prepared to enter into the concrete industry. (A)
Samenvatting