Scaling, as defined by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Committee 116, is the “local flaking or peeling away of the near-surface portion of hardened concrete or mortar.” Sometimes called mortar flaking when it occurs just over the aggregates near the surface, it is primarily a physical action created by hydraulic pressures from repeated freeze-thaw cycles within the concrete. The expansive forces caused by the formation of ice are exacerbated with deicing chemicals, which increase both the saturation of the concrete and the number of freeze-thaw cycles. The distress mechanisms of scaling are complex on both a microscopic and macroscopic level.

If you are interested in volunteering as either an instructor (assist students on lab practice days) or supplemental examiner (assist with grading students on exam day), please take a moment to review the information summarized below. As a thank you for helping us out this year, the MCA will be providing a MCA full sized laptop travel backpack to all examiners and instructors. So that we can order the correct number of backpacks, please mail/fax/email (see contact information below) or download this form online.

MCA is pleased to offer a Concrete Paving Inspection course to train both inspectors and contractors in the construction of concrete pavements. The course will cover the important tasks and dutties of both the construction personnel and those observing the work.

MCA conducts an annual "Excellence in Concrete" awards program which honors outstanding concrete projects that were constructed in the previous year. The award plaques are presented at the annual workshop and conference, which is typically held in February.