AISC Bridge Fabricator Certification Requirement - Is it Necessary?

[STrctPono]

I have a somewhat complex steel bridge structure that we are designing. It's tall, has lots of complicated welds, has battered built-up members with braces in two directions. I am considering requiring that the steel fabricator hold an AISC (ABR) Advanced Bridge Fabricator Certification. I believe this structure to be too complicated for an "Intermediate (IBR)" certification. In your areas, do you require this certification for your bridges? Have you found it to be beneficial? I am worried about driving up the cost if I require the ABR over the IBR but it appears that there are still a fair amount of qualified fabricators on the West Coast that hold an ABR to make this bid competitive.

Just hoping to get your thoughts on this certification program and whether it is worth it. I do have serious concerns about getting a subpar fabricator on the job that creates issues in the field if their tolerances are off.

 

[VoyageofDiscovery]

It is best to require it. More important is the payment terms as they may ask for more money up front and this can work against the Client.