COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Quality Control & Assurance in Concreting Practices course. This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve consistently high-quality outcomes in concrete construction. Quality control and assurance are critical for delivering safe, durable, and compliant concrete structures that meet both regulatory requirements and client expectations.

This course begins by exploring the importance of quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) in concrete works. You will learn the distinction between QC—focused on day-to-day workmanship—and QA—focused on planning, processes, and systematic checks. Understanding both concepts is essential for achieving structures that not only perform well but also comply with project specifications and legal obligations.

An understanding of the relevant Australian Standards and Codes is fundamental to effective concreting practices. This section outlines the key standards including AS 3600 (Concrete Structures), AS 1379 (Specification and Supply of Concrete), and AS 1012 (Methods of Testing Concrete), along with National Construction Code (NCC) compliance and any additional client or project-specific quality requirements.

Concrete properties directly influence performance outcomes. This section examines the relationship between factors such as mix design, water-cement ratio, aggregate quality, and the use of admixtures. These properties are crucial for ensuring strength, durability, workability, and long-term serviceability of the concrete structure.

Quality must be planned from the outset of any concreting project. You will learn how to develop quality objectives, establish Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), and identify key quality control points at each stage of the concreting process to minimise risks of non-conformance.

Ensuring the quality of supplied concrete is vital. This section explains how to verify supplier compliance with standards like AS 1379, review mix designs tailored to specific elements of a structure, and manage any necessary site adjustments without compromising specified performance outcomes.

Pre-pour inspections are a cornerstone of quality concreting. This section details the checks required before a pour, including inspection of formwork, reinforcement, embeds, dimensions, clearances, and site readiness, as well as confirming safe access and pour sequences.

Managing the delivery and handling of concrete is critical for maintaining quality. This section discusses how to check delivery dockets, monitor transport times, manage site access, and avoid delays that could affect concrete workability or lead to segregation and strength loss.

Placing concrete correctly is key to achieving structural integrity. You will learn proper placement techniques to prevent segregation, voids, or honeycombing, and how to ensure the concrete is evenly distributed and adequately compacted in all parts of the formwork.

Effective compaction is essential to eliminate air pockets and ensure maximum density. This section covers correct use of internal and external vibrators, placement techniques, and spacing practices to achieve uniform compaction without damaging the mix.

The finishing stage directly affects the appearance and performance of concrete surfaces. This section explains how to manage bleed water, avoid surface defects, time finishing operations correctly, and apply required surface textures or treatments according to project specifications.

Curing is one of the most important factors for concrete durability. This section covers early-age curing methods, curing periods based on temperature and design strength, and the effects of improper curing on long-term concrete performance.

On-site testing of fresh concrete provides immediate quality control. This section explains how to conduct slump tests, monitor concrete temperatures during delivery and placement, and manage responses to non-conforming results before defects occur.

Sampling and testing hardened concrete is essential for verifying structural compliance. This section guides you through correct sampling methods for compressive strength testing, core extraction, and how to interpret and respond to laboratory reports.

Detecting and managing non-conformances protects structural integrity. You will learn how to identify surface and internal defects such as cracks and segregation, document issues, and initiate corrective actions to maintain project quality and client satisfaction.

Communication and documentation underpin a robust QA system. This section covers completing pour checklists, daily site diaries, and inspection forms, along with maintaining thorough records for audits, client handovers, and regulatory compliance.

Site supervisors have a direct influence on quality outcomes. This section focuses on leadership in conducting site inspections, supporting crews to meet quality standards, and encouraging a culture where defects are proactively prevented rather than rectified after they occur.

Post-pour inspections ensure that the structure meets acceptance criteria. This section details how to verify surface finish, dimensional compliance, curing application, and early-stage protection requirements based on client and project specifications.

Finally, continuous improvement drives excellence in concreting practices. You will learn how to review lessons learned from previous projects, involve the team in quality discussions, and use feedback to refine work methods, training, and overall site quality systems.

By the end of this course, you will be fully equipped to implement strong quality control and assurance practices in concreting projects, contributing to safer structures, greater durability, regulatory compliance, and increased client satisfaction.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Quality Control and Assurance in Concreting

• Importance of quality control and assurance in concrete works
• Differences between quality control and quality assurance
• Role of QA/QC in delivering safe, durable, and compliant structures

2. Australian Standards and Construction Code Requirements

• Overview of AS 3600 and related standards (AS 1379, AS 1012)
• National Construction Code (NCC) compliance
• Site-specific quality requirements and client specifications

3. Understanding Concrete Properties for Quality Performance

• Properties affecting strength, durability, and workability
• Relationship between mix design and performance outcomes
• Impact of water-cement ratio, aggregate selection, and admixtures

4. Planning for Quality in Concreting Projects

• Setting up quality objectives at project initiation
• Developing Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) for concreting activities
• Identifying key control points throughout the concreting process

5. Reviewing Concrete Mix Designs and Supply Certification

• Verifying supplier certifications (AS 1379 compliance)
• Reviewing nominated mixes for specific structural elements
• Managing site-specific mix adjustments

6. Pre-Pour Quality Checks and Site Preparation

• Inspecting formwork, reinforcement, and embedments
• Checking access, safety systems, and pour sequencing
• Verifying dimensions, covers, and tolerances before pouring

7. Managing Delivery and Handling of Concrete

• Checking delivery dockets against specifications
• Monitoring transport times and truck rotation schedules
• Managing site conditions affecting concrete receipt

8. Placing Concrete to Quality Standards

• Correct placement methods to avoid segregation and voids
• Techniques for working around congested reinforcement
• Ensuring even distribution and full compaction

9. Compaction and Vibration Control

• Importance of eliminating air pockets and honeycombing
• Correct use of internal and external vibrators
• Monitoring vibration technique, duration, and spacing

10. Finishing and Surface Treatment Quality Control

• Timing and method of screeding, floating, and trowelling
• Managing bleed water to avoid surface defects
• Applying surface finishes as per specifications

11. Curing of Concrete for Long-Term Durability

• Importance of early-age curing in strength development
• Methods: water curing, curing compounds, and coverings
• Curing periods based on environmental conditions and strength requirements

12. Monitoring and Testing Fresh Concrete on Site

• Conducting slump tests for workability control
• Temperature monitoring during delivery and placement
• Managing non-conforming test results

13. Sampling and Testing Hardened Concrete

• Taking cylinder samples for compressive strength tests
• Core testing for in-situ strength verification
• Reviewing and interpreting laboratory reports

14. Identifying and Managing Non-Conformances

• Recognising defects such as cracking, scaling, segregation
• Reporting and documenting non-conforming work
• Implementing corrective actions and rectification processes

15. Communication and Documentation for Quality Assurance

• Completing pour checklists, inspection forms, and site diaries
• Communicating quality issues with supervisors and engineers
• Maintaining records for client handover and compliance audits

16. Role of Site Supervision in Maintaining Quality Standards

• Leading daily site inspections and checks
• Supporting crews in achieving quality outcomes
• Encouraging a proactive approach to defect prevention

17. Conducting Post-Pour Inspections and Acceptance Criteria

• Verifying surface finish, dimensions, and levels
• Checking curing method application and early protection
• Acceptance criteria based on client specifications and standards

18. Promoting a Culture of Continuous Quality Improvement

• Reviewing lessons learned from completed pours
• Involving teams in quality improvement discussions
• Using feedback to refine techniques and training

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.