2007 Education Programme
COURSES:
SCT 10: Introduction to Concrete
SCT 11: Concrete Technology for the Man on Site
SCT 12: Mortars, Plasters, Screeds and Masonry
SCT 13: Macking Concrete Bricks and Blocks
SCT 20: Concrete Practice
SCT 21: Concrete Industrial Floors
SCT 22: Concrete Road Design and Construction
SCT 23: Concrete for the Construction Supervisor
SCT 30: Concrete Technology
SCT 34: Prestressed Concrete Design and Practice
SCT 35: Concrete Structures - Analysis and Design
SCT 36: Properties of Concrete for the Structural Designer and Constructor
SCT 37: Durability of Concrete
SCT 41 and SCT 42: Concrete Technology and Construction (By correspondence only)
SCT 50: Advanced Concrete Technology
SCT 10 Introduction to Concrete (2 days)
NQF Level 2 (5 Credits)
This course is recommended for SMMEs, junior technical and sales staff in the building, construction and allied industries, and anyone wanting a short introduction to concrete. Delegates are given hands-on practical exercises to illustrate the theory given in the classroom.
Delegates must have at least Grade 10 (Standard 8)and be able to read and write English. There are no
calculations. Delegates who would prefer to be assessed by oral examination rather than a written examination will be accommodated.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
- Properties of concrete
- Materials for concrete
- Receiving and storing materials
- Batching, mixing and testing concrete
- Transporting, placing and compacting
- Finishing and surface preparation
- Protection and curing
- Formwork and reinforcement
- Sand-cement mixes
Durability of concrete C&CI certificates are awarded to delegates who pass the course.
Click here for application form.
SCT 11 Concrete Technology for the Man on Site (1 day)
This course is recommended for site staff who need to know the basic function of concrete and why it is so important that operations such as transporting, placing, compacting and curing be carried out with great care. The course was developed in response to numerous requests from industry to provide training that did not remove personnel from site for extended periods of time.
There are no entrance requirements but delegates must be able to read and understand English at a level that will allow them to understand simplified technical lectures. There are no calculations. It is possible that lectures may be given in a limited range of African languages (with English notes) if it is requested by the client and is within the capabilities of the C&CI to do so.
Theoretical concepts given in lectures are liberally demonstrated in laboratory sessions.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
- Requirements of concrete
- Choosing aggregates and cement
- Factors that make concrete more workable
- Compaction of concrete
- Mix proportions for concrete
- The importance of making good cubes
- Acceptance and storage of materials
- Formwork and reinforcement
- Sand-cement mixes
C&CI certificates of attendance will be awarded to delegates.
Click here for application form.
SCT 12 Mortars, Plasters, Screeds and Masonry (1 day)
This course was originally developed to assist NHBRC inspectors to interpret the requirements of the NHBRC
‘Home Builder’s Manual’ and is written around that manual
to the extent that the clauses are cross-referenced from the
notes. The course is essential for builders who make use
of ‘sand-cement’ mixes on a daily basis. Many of the most
common causes of cracking in masonry walls are given and
the methods of avoiding them are discussed.
Mixing of mortars, plasters, concrete and screeds will be
illustrated in the laboratory where learners will be given the
opportunity to see tests performed and will be able to mix
concrete for themselves.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
- Factors that affect the strength of concrete
- The role and selection of cement, sand, stone and water
- Receiving and storage of materials
- Mix proportions for concrete for foundations and floors
- Floor screeds and testing
- The slump and cube tests for concrete
- Concrete and clay masonry, expansion and shrinkage
- Waterproofing, cavity and block walls
- The need for movement joints
- Properties of mortar and plaster
C&CI certificates of attendance will be issued to all
delegates.
Click here for application form.
SCT 13 Making Concrete Bricks and Blocks (1 day)
Many requests have been received by the C&CI to assist with empowering people and enabling them to make a living.
Perhaps this course is the closest to that ideal as it gives
learners a rudimentary understanding of how to manufacture
masonry units.
The target audience for the course would be people
with a good understanding of written and spoken English; a
background in technology is not essential. Where it is within
the capabilities of the School, the course may be offered in an
African language by request if sufficient numbers of learners
are available.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
- Requirements of masonry
- How cement works and how to make masonry strong
- The quantity of water necessary for workability
- Blockmaking machines
- Selection of materials and mix proportions
- Curing of finished blocks
- Storage of materials
- Sand-cement mixes
- Testing of masonry
- Building with masonry to minimise cracking
C&CI certificates of attendance will be issued to all delegates.
Click here for application form.
SCT 20 Concrete Practice (4 days)
NQF Level 4 (10 Credits)
This course is recommended for foremen, clerks-of-work,
technicians and supervisory sales, technical and
engineering staff in building, construction, mining and
related industries.
Minimum entrance requirements
Grade 12 (Standard
10), able to read and write English, and do basic arithmetic
calculations including percentages and ratios.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
- Properties of fresh concrete
- Properties of concrete at early ages
- Properties of hardened concrete
- Materials for concrete
- Mix proportions and quantities
- Concrete production
- Transporting
- Placing and compacting
- Protection and curing
- Formwork
- Reinforcement
- Joints
- Sand-cement mixes
- Concreting in hot and cold weather
- Defects and repairs
- Low-density concrete
- Prestressed concrete
- Precast concrete
- Off-shutter and architectural finishes
- Sampling and testing
- Concrete pavements
C&CI certificates are awarded to delegates who pass
the course.
Click here for application form.
SCT 21 Concrete Industrial Floors (1 day)
NQF Level 5 (3 Credits)
The Institute has established that problems associated with floors usually fall into two main categories: design and
detailing, and construction practice. This Concrete Industrial
Floors (CIF) course aims to help consulting civil engineers
and contractors overcome these problems.
The section on construction covers the selection of
materials, construction of the subgrade and subbase,
concrete requirements, construction and finishing of
concrete industrial floors on the ground.
Thickness design information is included in the course
pack, but is not covered in detail in the workshop.
Minimum entrance requirements
Grade 12 (Standard 10)
Dates, venues & Course fees

Syllabus
- Design philosophy
- Subgrades and subbases
- Concrete
- Joints
- Reinforcement
- Construction
- Subgrades and subbases
- Damp-proofing
- Construction joints
- Concrete production and placing
- Construction methods
- Vacuum dewatering
- Side forms
- Dowels
- Edging
- Finishing
- Curing
- Joint sawing
- Joint sealing
- Surface finishes
- Construction methods
- Finishing techniques
- Adverse weather
- Concrete toppings
- Surface treatments
- Special applications
NB: Course fee includes a copy of the handbook ‘Concrete Industrial Floors on the Ground’ by BD Perrie and
LR Marais.
Click here for application form.
SCT 22 Concrete Road Design and Construction (1 day)
NQF Level 7 (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the technology applied in the
design and construction of concrete pavements. It covers the supporting layers, thickness design using computer
program, cncPave, and joint design, detailing and layout.
Concrete materials and mix design, construction, modes of
distress and failure and rehabilitation are also included.
This course is aimed at engineers and technologists
requiring practical tools for the design and construction of concrete roads.
The format of the course includes lectures and an optional
interactive practical in the evening.
Minimum entrance requirements
A degree or diploma in
civil engineering is essential. A number of years' experience in road design and/or construction is highly recommended.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
- Pavement types and behaviour
- Rigid pavement types and behaviour
- Distress and modes of failure
- Design objectives
- Concrete pavement support
- Subgrades
- Subbases
- Drainage
- Pavement design
- Introduction to Mechanistic Design
- Mechanistic Design – cncPave and other methods
- Use of cncPave
- Concrete mix design
- Materials and specifications
- Mix design
- Durability
- Joints
- Load transfer
- Joint design
- Joint layout
- Sealants
- Reinforcement
- Use and detailing of reinforcement
- Construction
- Mechanised
- Labour intensive
- Inlays
- Overlays
- Low-volume roads
Click here for application form.
SCT 23 Concrete for the Construction Supervisor (10 days)
NQF Level 4 (39 Credits)
This course is based on a set of unit standards registered with SAQA which make up the elective standards dealing
with concrete for the Learnership 49053. A learner who is
found competent on this course would be able to proceed
to the fundamental and core unit standards required for
the full learnership. The full learnership carries the National
Certificate in Construction Supervision and is a NQF
Level 4 qualification.
The course requires 10 days of tuition, practical
work, tutorials and assessments and can be run in a
manner to suit the learner. It may be necessary to
run the course on consecutive working days or on
Fridays and Saturdays to suit the client, but timing
is flexible and will have to be determined by mutual
consent amongst the learners and the SCT.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
- Materials of concrete and the properties they bring
- Determining mix proportion, batching and mixing
- Testing of concrete in the laboratory and on site
- Assessment of laboratory results and acceptance of materials
- Properties of concrete for different applications
- The importance of formwork
- Transport, placing, compacting and curing of concrete
- Durability of concrete
- Interpretation and implementation of specifications

Click here for application form.
SCT 30 Concrete Technology (5 days)
NQF Level 5 (12 Credits)
This is an intensive course intended for civil and structural
engineers, and experienced technicians and technologists.
Venues Midrand, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban
and Windhoek. At any other sites in South Africa and elsewhere by arrangement.
Minimum entrance requirements:
Grade 12 (Standard
10) with mathematics and science and at least two
years’ appropriate experience. A demonstrated high
degree of competence in subjects covered in SCT 20:
Concrete Practice, together with good calculation skills
is also acceptable. Completion of the SCT 20 course is recommended, but is not a requirement.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
- Properties of fresh concrete
- Properties of concrete at early ages
- Properties of hardened concrete
- Cement and cementitious extenders
- Aggregates
- Mixing water and chemical admixtures
- Concrete mix design
- Concrete production
- Transporting
- Placing and compaction
- Protection and curing
- Formwork
- Reinforcement
- Joints
- Defects, blemishes and repairs
- Mix design and mixes for specialised applications
- Sand-cement mixes
- Off-shutter finishes
- Temperature and concrete
- Concrete Pavements
- Testing hardened concrete – non-destructive testing
- Testing hardened concrete
C&CI certificates are awarded to delegates who pass
the course.
Click here for application form.

SCT 34 Prestressed Concrete Design and Practice
NQF Level 6 (3 Credits)
Duration The total length of the course will be 24 hours. It will be presented over 6 days of 4 hours, typically 16h00 – 20h00, at the School of Concrete Technology in Midrand on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
The course is aimed at practising engineering graduates with either little or no experience in the design of prestressed concrete structures, or those who would like to refresh their skills in this field. The course is divided into 2 parts: Part I addressing the fundamental aspects and Part II focussing on more advanced topics. A complete set of lecture notes with examples is provided as part of the course.
Minimum entrance requirement BSc Engineering degree or equivalent qualification.
Syllabus
PART I
- General principles
- Material properties
- Prestressing systems and procedures
- Design for flexure
- Prestressing losses
- Shear
PART II
- Effects of continuity
- Deflections
- Anchorage zone design
- Prestressed concrete slabs
- Detailing
SCT 35 Concrete Structures – Analysis and Design
NQF Level 6 (15 Credits)
Duration The length of the course is 48 hours. It is presented in 12 sessions of 4 hours from 16h00 - 20h00.
The course is aimed at practising civil and structural
engineers who wish to refresh their reinforced concrete
design skills. The course is divided into two parts: the first
covering the basic principles of reinforced concrete design
and the second applying these principles in designing
elements. A complete set of lecture notes with examples is
provided as part of the course.
Minimum entrance requirements:BSc Engineering degree
or equivalent qualification.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
PART I
- Introduction
- Properties of reinforced concrete
- Principles of limit state design
- Analysis of the structure
- Analysis and design for flexure
- Flexure combined with thrust
- Design of beams for shear
- Bond and anchorage
- Design for serviceability
- Design of beams
PART II
- Design of suspended floors:
- One-way spanning slabs
- Two-way edge supported slabs
- Flat slabs and punching shear
- Ribbed slabs
- Design of columns
- Design of footings
- Design of stairs
- Calculating crack widths and deflections
- Design for torsion
- Introduction to prestressed concrete
Click here for application form.
SCT 36 Properties of Concrete for the Structural Designer and Constructor (half-day, 11h00–17h00)
CPD accredited through SAICE (0,5 Credits)
Concrete Technologists are frequently called on to diagnose the cause of defects in structures that can be attributed to
incorrect specification (or no specification) of concrete and
lack of attention to detail during construction. The subject
matter covered in this course is based on the most common
defects observed over a period spanning many years.
The defects usually take the form of deflections, cracks,
blemishes or deterioration with time, and the repair
method hinges on the correct diagnosis of the cause.
The future performance of the structure will depend on
whether the structural integrity has been affected.
The course is aimed at senior staff in the design
and construction industry who have had some years of
experience in their field.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
- Constituent materials of concrete and their roles
- Mix proportions, batching and mixing
- Formwork, placement and compaction
- Concrete temperature, curing and joints
- Compressive strength and acceptance of cube crushing results
- Tensile, bond and shear strength
- Resistance to abrasion
- Cracking in the plastic and hardened states
- Moisture, thermal & chemical expansion & contraction
- Deformation under load: the importance of the E-value
- Durability of reinforced concrete in aggressive environments
- Specification of concrete
Click here for application form
SCT 37 Durability of Concrete (half-day, 11h00–17h00)
CPD accredited through SAICE (0,5 Credits)
Is it sufficient to ensure that structures do not collapse during or immediately after construction, or is it necessary
to ensure that the investment of time and money in a
structure is safeguarded for a substantial period of time?
The alarming progress of spalling concrete in coastal and
industrial areas suggests that insufficient attention has been
paid to durability of reinforced concrete in the past.
The technology to ensure that a structure will enjoy
a maintenance free life is becoming available and this
course outlines the mechanisms of reinforced concrete
deterioration and gives an insight into the latest thinking
and testing of concrete to ensure durable performance.
The audience targeted for this course is senior design and
construction personnel who are in a position to inform
clients of what is possible at the construction stage at
minimum additional cost.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Syllabus
- How cement works to ensure impermeability
- Mechanisms of mechanical deterioration
- Mechanisms of chemical deterioration
- Methods of making concrete impermeable
- Testing of permeability, sorptivity and conductivity
Click here for application form
SCT 41 & 42 Concrete Technology & Construction by correspondence only (9 or 18 months)
NQF Level 5 (15 Credits)
T
hese courses are offered as correspondence courses only. They are designed for persons employed in
a technical capacity, e.g. concrete technologists, civil
engineering technicians or engineers who wish to improve
their knowledge of all aspects of concrete. City & Guilds
International (C&G) certificates are awarded to successful
delegates.
Both courses are scheduled to start in September of
each year. Late applications and examination registrations
will be accepted until 30 January.
The course is available in two parts as:
SCT 41: General Principles (Part 1) over nine months.
SCT 42: Practical Applications (Part 2) over nine months.
The examinations consist of one three-hour paper for each course. SCT 41 & 42 may be studied at the same time by experienced delegates.
Course material can be sent to delegates in most
countries – examinations can be written in Midrand,
Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban, or by arrangement
at British Council offices in other countries.
Delegates wishing to write at British Councils need
to make individual arrangements with their local British
Council prior to the exams. A separate examination and
management fee will be payable in advance by the
delegate. Contact the British Council for information on
registration and costs. The onus is on the delegate to
liaise with their local British Council.
Minimum entrance requirements Grade 12 (Standard
10) with mathematics and science. For SCT 42 at least one
year of concrete construction site experience is strongly
recommended.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Optional revision seminars are held in Midrand in March 2006 prior to the examinations in May.
SCT 41: General Principles (Part 1) (9 months)
Syllabus
- Materials, including aggregates, cements, water, admixtures, reinforcing and prestressing
- Properties of concrete
- Testing concrete
- Specification of concrete, design of mixes and quality control
- Formwork
- Concrete production and supply
- Ready-mixed concrete
- Compacting and finishing
- Curing
- Reinforced concrete
SCT 42: Practical Applications (Part 2) (9 months)
Syllabus
- Testing concrete
- Specification of concrete
- Quality control and mix design
- Joints
- Roads, materials and construction
- Reinforcement and prestressing
- Formwork including falsework
- Surface finishing, screeds and toppings
- Defects and repairs
- Concrete production and handling
- Floors
- Precast concrete and production
- Curing
- Site organisation and layout
- Ready-mixed concrete
Details available from the Correspondence Course
Organiser
Registration for examinations (see page 15).
SCT 43 and 44: Revision seminars for parts 1 and 2.
(See page 12)
Click here for application form
SCT 50 Advanced Concrete Technology – next course commences 2008
NQF Level 7 (50 Credits)
The ACT course is presented in South Africa every two years, under the auspices of the Institute of Concrete
Technology (ICT) in the United Kingdom. The next
Advanced Concrete Technology (ACT) course will
commence in January 2008 and is presented in
three parts. See page 23 for dates.
The target audience includes qualified and experienced
civil engineers, cement chemists, concrete technologists
and technicians involved in the building, construction,
precast concrete, mining and in the cement, aggregate,
admixture and ready-mixed concrete industries.
Experts from both the International and South African
construction industry, universities and the C&CI, present
the lectures.
Delegates who pass both three-hour examinations and
have their research project accepted, receive the Advanced
Concrete Technology Diploma. This qualifies them for
Corporate Membership of the ICT and, as corporate
members, they may write the letters MICT behind their
names.
Applications Please submit your application for the
2008 course to the Education & Training Administrator by
30 Nov 2007. Late applications will be considered only if
the course has not been fully subscribed.
Dates, venues & Course fees
Recommended entrance requirements An appropriate
university degree or a higher technical diploma in civil
engineering or any other appropriate branch of science or
technology. All delegates must also have at least four years'
experience in a responsible position related to concrete.
Note that SCT 41 and 42: Concrete Technology and
Construction is regarded as ‘assumed knowledge’ for any
candidate admitted to the ACT.
The course covers some 75 topics falling into the following broad categories:
- Cements
- Additions to concrete
- Admixtures
- Aggregates
- Fresh concrete
- Setting and hardening of concrete
- Properties of hardened concrete
- Durability of concrete
- Concrete construction
- Mix design
- Special concretes
- Special processes and technology for particular types of structures
- Ready-mixed concrete
- Concrete finishes
- Repairing concrete
- Formwork
- Concrete plant
- Precast concrete
- Concrete roads
- Industrial floors
- Principles of reinforced and prestressed concrete
- Test methods and equipment
- Quality concepts
- Quality control
- Statistics
- Standards, specifications and codes of practice
- Assessment of concrete construction
- Sources of information
Delegates who enrol for the ACT qualify for one year's free
membership of the Concrete Society of Southern Africa.
Click here for application form |