AISC Certified Fabricator in a non-certified Shop

[SpaceEng]

Quick question about AISC certification.

The contract states that the steel fabricator will be AISC Standard for Steel Building Structures (STD)certified.
The steel contractor (from California)selected is certified but wants to perfom the actual fabrication in a non-certified facility (Florida).

Does this violate the fabricators certification for the project due to the change in fabrication location?

 

[JAE]

Not sure - I'd just call AISC to ask them directly.

 

[JedClampett]

I'd accept it. I think a branch of a certified shop would use the same standards and guidelines as the certified shop. It will be a big hassle to change steel suppliers and you're likely to get a change order request. My rule is:
All AISC Certified shops are good, but all good shops are not AISC Certified.

 

[LonnieP]

Yes! California certification requires the shop be readily accesable for spot checking fabrication of ALL work, not just that requiring special inspection. That's why they allow Certified shops. DSA (Department of State Architect, Schoolhouse section) work requires on-site special inspection of school projects even if in a Certified Shop. Hard to spot check a "Certified Fabricator" from 3000 miles away. Why not Mexico City, or even better, Buenos Aires?

Certified shops exist for a reason.

LonnieP

 

[dhengr]

I agree with JAE, re: asking AISC. You might also ask the client what they expected and intended with their spec. What you are suggesting the Calif. fabricator wants to do does seem to kinda defeat the intent and purpose of certifying fabricators. They price it as if you are getting AISC certified quality, control and craftsmanship, and you pay that extra because that’s what you expected, but then they sub it out to some uncertified welding shop. The same lower bidders you just rejected, because they weren’t certified. Although, I’ve seen plenty of high quality fabrication from non certified shops too. Quality and knowledge doesn’t always have to do with some fancy program or certification, but has a lot to do with the particular company’s business approach, and training of their own workers, engineers, drafters, etc.

BTW... what do sexually transmitted disease (STD) have to do with it?