Author:  Beacon | July 25, 2024

In the ever-changing construction landscape, concrete is the backbone of many structures. It’s important to remember that the protective materials we install are only as good as the substrate they are applied to. When evaluating, repairing, waterproofing, or protecting a structure, having a thorough understanding of concrete and its repair is key to a successful, long-lasting project.

International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) is the place to go for knowledge on repairing and protecting this common building material, and their flagship Concrete Surface Repair Technician (CSRT) Education Program provides a comprehensive understanding of concrete repair.

This self-directed e-learning program consists of five modules students can complete at their own pace on their own time. "ICRI came into being because there wasn’t enough information about concrete repair,” said Mark LeMay of JQENG, the 2020 ICRI President. “Repairs were only lasting five years, and that shouldn’t be the case. This program was created to educate people on doing the repairs right."

Whether you’re a newcomer or an industry veteran, the CSRT program has something for everyone to learn. “There’s so much about concrete structures that will need repair over the years,” said ICRI Executive Director Eric Hauth. “That’s what ICRI is about – learning to fix structures instead of tearing them down."

The program’s curriculum has been peer-reviewed by some of the most esteemed experts in the concrete repair industry. "It’s an awesome educational tool, no matter what level you’re at,” said LeMay, who has over 30 years of industry experience. “They don’t teach repair of concrete in college; it’s all learned in the field." 

The CSRT program delves into the core challenges of the industry, offering a unique opportunity for individuals, even those from non-technical backgrounds, to grasp the essentials of concrete repair. From providing an understanding of concrete behavior and its deterioration to evaluating and repairing concrete using the most appropriate materials and methods, learners come away with a better understanding of concrete repair.

The CSRT program tackles the industry's core challenges, providing a unique opportunity for individuals, even those from non-technical backgrounds, to grasp the essentials of concrete repair. It covers everything from understanding concrete behavior and deterioration to evaluating and repairing concrete using the most suitable materials and methods.

The five-module program begins with a basic understanding of reinforced concrete and the process of deterioration and corrosion. It provides insights into evaluating concrete to locate and identify deteriorated areas, often not visible on the surface, using methods such as sounding and ASTM testing.

The course then covers all the standard repair methods, including hand-applied vertical and overhead applications, form and pour, and even proper shotcrete methods. The CSRT program also covers various repair materials, shedding light on the essential physical properties each material should possess for a successful project.

For contractors, installers, and design professionals alike, the CSRT program is not just education; it’s a toolkit. "It informs participants of all the helpful tools we have available, including guide specifications, pre-placement checklists, and post-placement checklists that students can use on the job site to avoid missing critical steps,” said LeMay.

All stakeholders in our industry can benefit from the thorough understanding of concrete, its repair, and protection that the CSRT program provides. As the industry continues to evolve, ICRI stands at the forefront by shaping individuals to meet the demands of concrete repair with expertise and precision.

The program offers affordable yet invaluable insights into the world of concrete repair with both member and non-member pricing options. To enroll in the CSRT program, prospective students can easily visit the ICRI website (ICRI.org) and explore the certification tab.