New Post-tensioning scheme ‘boosts quality and confidence’ across the Australian construction sector
Rapid improvements in the quality of construction standards nationwide will flow from the development of a new independent certification scheme announced today by the Post-Tensioning Institute of Australia (PTIA), and the UK’s reinforcing steel authority, CARES.
The PTIA and CARES are working together to deliver a post-tensioning Certification Scheme covering safety critical post-tensioning installation and products entering the construction supply chain.
CARES and the PTIA will engage with structural engineers, major contractors, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent improvements in the quality of post-tensioning installation practices.
Lee Brankley, CEO of CARES, and James Woods, PTIA’s CEO, said today’s announcement marked the culmination of two years’ discussions. The goal is an industry-led solution enhancing confidence in product compliance, and onsite installation of post-tensioned systems.
“We are delighted to be working with CARES on this” said Mr Woods. “I am confident our members will seize the opportunity to tap into the vast experience and first-class reputation of CARES. This scheme brings much needed certification and regulatory control ensuring we build right first time, every time. At a time of increased scrutiny on the industry we are delivering a workable solution that resists the race to the bottom seen elsewhere.” Manufacturers and contractors would have total clarity about required standards bringing much-needed consistency across the sector, he added.
Mr Brankley said that working with the PTIA was a “natural evolution” of long-standing relationships with “many colleagues in the sector” particularly ACRS. The CARES Prestressing Installation Scheme would follow recognised standards audited by CARES’ assessors and include product certification of prestressing materials to AS/NZS Standards by the Australasian steel certification body, ACRS.
He stressed that the CARES approach required multi-stakeholder engagement as an imperative, not a choice. That meant regular engagement with clients, consultants and contractors. “CARES is proud of its reputation as an independent certification body; we value our relationships with ACRS and the PTIA. We believe this scheme can work well for the good of the whole industry.”
The new scheme covers contractors installing post-tensioning systems; producers of post-tensioning anchors; producers of grout, together with producers and stockists of prestressing strand, and firms that carry out remedial grouting of post-tensioned tendons.
More details of the new scheme and proposals for changes in the CARES Model Specification to take account of regional specifications and state building control requirements, will follow shortly.