certification

bridge fabricator

AISC

certification program

Be certified
Certification is a statement to owners, specifiers, and the construction industry that says, Quality is built-in! How much time, money, and productivity do you lose to nonconformance? By implementing the quality management system, you can reduce production errors and increase the quality of steel fabricated in your shop. AISC Certification provides you with a management tool, specific to the steel industry, that assesses everything from management goals to the steel shipped out the door. Also, is having a reputation for doing good work vital to your firm? Participation in the Certification program provides specifiers, owners, and general contractors with assurance that a fabricator has the personnel, experience, knowledge, and equipment to deliver a quality project every time. Need proof? Ask your competition. Fabricators continuously tell us how Certification has improved their business by reducing errors and increasing communication. Be Progressive! Be Proactive! Be AISC Certified!

certification levels
simple steel bridge. These are typically rolled beam bridge. Simple Bridges can be short, single span highway overpasses. They are also pedestrian bridges, connections between buildings, or bridges on private property. These projects may interface with contracts for state transportation departments. major steel bridge. These bridges typically have welded and bolted splices in multi-span projects. The projects include both rolled beams and built-up girders. Facilities should be capable of executing a typical three girder lay down and full assembly. The majority of these projects comply directly with state transportation departments provisions. Companies in both categories have a quality management system that supports fabrication practices necessary to meet the contract requirements for bridgesincluding a welding quality assurance system in accordance with AASHTO/AWS D1.5Bridge Welding Code.
Note: Major Steel Bridge Certification requires experience making girders. Initial applicants may fabricate a mock girder to meet the audit requirement. Visit www.aisc.org/mockgirder for instructions.

endorsements
fracture critical. Simple or Major Bridge fabricators that furnish fracture critical bridge members may qualify for the fracture critical endorsement. Fabricators must demonstrate a familiarity with procedures required to produce fracture critical members in accordance with a fracture control plan as defined by AASHTO/AWS D1.5 sophisticated paint. The Sophisticated Paint Endorsement is designed to evaluate the qualifications of structural steel fabricators who apply sophisticated coatings such as zincs, epoxies, urethanes, or multi-coat systems in their plant shops following fabrication. The sophisticated Paint Endorsement is based on industry standards and manufacturers storage, surface preparation, application and curing requirements. There are currently three Paint Endorsements available: P1- Sophisticated Paint Endorsement - Enclosed P2- Sophisticated Paint Endorsement - Covered P3- Sophisticated Paint Endorsement - Outside

Quality Management Company provides independent, quality audits for the American Institute of Steel Constructions Certification program.

auditing
In addition to the internal audits performed by each fabricator, third-party audits are conducted yearly by Quality Management Company, LLC. QMC is an independent firm using professional auditors trained and experienced in structural steel and audit science. Each auditor has performed hundreds of audits. During shop visits, auditors review project records and requirements, interview personnel from the shop floor to the presidents office, and observe production procedures and equipment to assure that proper quality standards are met. Furthermore, independent audits are a good resource for fabricators. Having an outside set of eyes look at your business can confirm good procedures and identify obstacles that may be costing you time and money. Wouldnt you rather have QMC find inefficient practices, than have your shop just keep repeating them?

fees
A cost schedule for the AISC Building Certification Program can be found by visiting http://www.aisc.org/fabcertfees.

key qualifications independently audited:

The certification process reviews a fabricators business and facility. Here is an example of what is assessed: general management. Does management review and effectively communicate quality requirements and project requirements throughout the firm? Does management provide equipment, technical support, and trained personnel to meet each projects quality requirements? engineering/drafting. Is there a process by which all detail drawings are approved by the owner? Are detailing personnel knowledgeable of the required codes and specifications that govern each project? Is there a functioning system to control drawing revisions, approvals, and clarification of incomplete issues with the customers representative? procurement. Are materials ordered in accordance with the design drawings and specifications and checked for conformance upon receipt? Are there procedures in effect to assure purchased product and subcontracted fabrication is furnished to contract requirements? operations. Is fabrication in accordance with contract documents and specifications? Are products shipped in accordance with approved detail drawings? Is there a written procedure for the disposition of nonconforming product when discovered during in-process or final inspection? quality. Is there a written quality assurance system that is maintained and understood by quality and production personnel? Does Quality Control have the authority to stop nonconforming work and inform operations for corrections?

Nothing says better that a bridge fabricator can be expected to produce a high quality job than AISC Certification. In our service to the public, we must be confident that steel delivery and performance will not be compromised. The certification is a cornerstone of that confidence.
RONNIE MEDLOCK BRIDGE TECHNICAL SERVICES DIRECTOR TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

resources for fabricators

www.qmconline.com At Quality management Companys website, you will find information to aid in the auditing process, including: checklist for Bridge Certification mock girder requirements current AISC audit policies Answers to your most frequently asked questions AISC codes and specifications for free download QMCs staff is committed to making the auditing process as simple and straightforward as possible. No more waivers! Certified fabricators do the job right the first time, so why do contractors pressure engineers to waive AISC Certification as a project requirement? If you are involved in a project where Certification is in jeopardy, AISC can provide you with the tools needed to protect yourself and your projects Certification requirement. Visit www.aisc.org/nomorewaivers for more info. 312.670.7520 or certinfo@aisc.org AISC doesnt lobby for any one fabricator, we simply support the need for the fabricator to be AISC Certified. In addition, we will come to your area and educate anyone in the construction food chain regarding the AISC Certification program. Hearing it form AISC tends to be more credible than hearing it from a fabricator who is trying to get a big contract!

certification demographics
There are currently over 600 AISC Certified fabricators within the United States and that number is steadily growing. The list of current specifiers requiring the use of an AISC Certified fabricator includes structural engineers and architects from all 50 states and within every service market within the building industry. Also included in this list are federal and state departments including more than half of the state DOTs and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

just ask us
At AISC, we understand that being Certified is a choice you make, not a requirement. If you want to know more about AISC Certification and how it can improve your business, please contact us at:

866.ASK.AISC certinfo@aisc.org www.aisc.org