7-10 November 2011
Conservation of Concrete
West Dean College, Chichester, West Sussex, England
Course Leader:  Catherine Croft, Director, Twentieth-Century Society

This course is intended for architects, surveyors, engineers, contractors and conservators responsible for, or otherwise involved in, the repair, conservation and maintenance of structural and decorative concrete.  The course has been prepared in response to the increasing number of concrete buildings and artefacts, both pre-cast and in-situ structures, which are beginning to be recognised as being historically significant and are showing signs of deterioration.  Concrete conservation is a relatively new and developing area of expertise. 

Scope of Training

Development and implementation of a philosophy; manufacture and construction processes; constituent materials and their characteristics; weathering and decay processes related to detailed design and environment; corrosion of reinforcement.
Surveying, recording and assessment of condition; suitability of proprietary repair systems; applying traditional repair approaches; assessing cracks, corroding reinforcement and surface spoiling; patch repairs; casting techniques; matching surface finishes; cleaning and other surface treatments; maintenance programmes; the importance of patina.

Duration

The course extends over three-and-a-half days and includes illustrated lectures, demonstrations, workshop practicals and a site visit.
Fully inclusive residential fee:  From £602
For more information about the course please contact Liz Campbell at West Dean College.
T:  +  44 1243 818219  E:  cpd@westdean.org.uk  W:  www.westdean.org.uk

 

 

Concrete Repair Training - NVQ Levels 2 and 3

The Concrete Repair Association believes that structured training is a fundamental requirement in ensuring continually improving standards of workmanship. The industry's greatest assets are the highly skilled operatives that carry out the work and the CRA fully supports their training and assessment through National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ's) at Levels 2 and 3.

The NVQ is awarded on the successful completion of eight Level 2 visits. Five of these will be common to the construction industry with the remaining three units being specific to the concrete repair industry. All CRA members are encouraged to promote this preferred route within their respective companies.

In addition to the above, the CRA wholeheartedly endorses the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS). The principal aims of the scheme are to:

• maintain a record of operatives who achieve a recognised level of competence
• raise standards of health and safety awareness
• promote the use of skilled operatives.

Competencies were agreed by CRA members in September 1998 and a new classification approved in October 1998 for 'Concrete Repair Operatives' which mirrors the requirements for NVQ Level 2.

As of January 2010, CSCS cards will be issued in a new "Smart Card" format. The individual's qualification data will be stored on the electronic chip. The chip will enable updates to be made without the need to purchase a new card, it will also reduce the risk of potential fraudsters and also has the ability to store further details such as training records.

Further information can be obtained free of charge from:

CSCS
P.O.Box 114
Bircham Newton
Kings Lynn
Norfolk
PE31 6XD

Telephone: 0844 576 8777

Website: http://www.cscs.uk.com/