Available Courses:
Concrete Mix Designs
This course illustrates how each step in the proportioning of a
mixture relates to the fresh and hardened properties of
concrete. Clear and concise examples will be provided with
illustrations that reinforce the fundamental concepts of
developing practical concrete mixtures. Created to enhance the
material covered during the Production and Quality School, the
Mix Design course will also discuss how improved performance can
be obtained when using certain admixtures, such as:
• Air entraining admixtures
• Water reducing admixtures
• Supplementary cements
Association Leadership School (ALS)
The Association Leadership School prepares
NPCA members for leadership positions within the association.
Participants will learn how to prepare for meetings, how to use meeting
time efficiently and how to maximize participation at face-to-face
meetings and in-between meetings. Those who complete this course will
learn about the structure, history and mission of NPCA and will better
understand the time and financial commitments required of Committee and
Board members. By taking this course, members will be fully equipped to
consider whether to pursue an association leadership position.
Precast Concrete: The Architect's Solution
By the end of this course you will understand:
• The many above- and below-ground applications for precast concrete
• Cost benefits of precast concrete
• Design options and finishes for architectural applications
• The manufacturing process of precast concrete
Learn the basics on manufactured concrete
during this introductory course developed specifically for architects.
Attendees will explore the various benefits of precast concrete
aesthetics, durability, versatility, cost savings and more from the
perspective of the architect, owner and contractor. An overview of the
precast manufacturing process sets the stage for a discussion on common
architectural uses, including special finishes, colors and more. AIA
members who complete this course will receive 2.0 Learning Units (LUs).
Production and Quality School (PQS)
What is PQS?
NPCA’s Production & Quality School (PQS) is a
comprehensive program devoted to addressing the fundamentals of quality
precasting. Taught by some of the most knowledgeable experts in the
precast industry, the PQS course covers each important step of the
concrete production process from start to finish.
Session topics include:
- The fundamentals of mix design
- Handling and placement
- Curing and testing
- Pre-pour and post-pour operations
- Quality control
- Reinforcing
- Vibration/consolidation
Who should take PQS Online?
Whether you are a Quality Control Inspector or a production
employee, the PQS course has valuable information to offer for everyone
who enrolls. Past participants have included production personnel,
first-line supervisors, engineers, upper-level managers and DOT
employees, among others.
How is it structured?
PQS Online is broken into nine chapters allowing the
participant to take those chapters that are relevant to him/her. Users
may take one chapter or all nine. There are no prerequisites or
required order for the chapters.
