What Is AISC Certification and Why Does It Matter?

When a project involves fabricated steel, especially for highway, bridge, public works, or other infrastructure applications, quality control matters long before the finished product reaches the jobsite. That is where AISC certification comes in.

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) certification program evaluates the quality-management systems used by steel fabricators. Midwest Fence Corporation first earned AISC certification as a Bridge Component Facility in 2010 and has maintained AISC certification for more than 15 years.

What Does AISC Certification Mean?

AISC certification goes beyond inspecting a finished piece of steel. It evaluates the systems and procedures a fabricator has in place to consistently meet project requirements.

Those systems address areas such as:

• Material identification and traceability

• Fabrication and welding procedures

• Inspection and testing

• Employee qualifications and training

• Documentation and recordkeeping

• Nonconforming work and corrective action

• Internal quality reviews

The objective is straightforward: establish a documented process that helps prevent errors and provides consistent quality throughout fabrication.

AISC Certification Requires Ongoing Audits

Becoming AISC certified is not a one-time achievement.

Certified fabricators are subject to ongoing audits of their Quality Management System. Auditors review procedures, documentation, records, personnel responsibilities, inspection practices, and other elements of the fabrication process. If deficiencies are identified, they must be addressed through documented corrective action.

Midwest Fence has gone through this process year after year since 2010. Maintaining certification for more than 15 years represents an ongoing commitment to quality control, documentation, training, and continuous improvement.

Why Does AISC Certification Matter on Public Projects?

Public works and infrastructure projects often have detailed specifications governing materials, fabrication, inspection, documentation, and installation.

Project owners, engineers, government agencies, and general contractors may specify AISC certification as a qualification for certain types of fabrication work.

For contractors, working with an AISC-certified fabricator provides additional assurance that an established and independently audited quality system is in place.

This is particularly valuable for projects involving:

• Highway and bridge construction

• IDOT and Illinois Tollway work

• Municipal infrastructure

• Transportation facilities

• Public works

• Commercial and industrial construction

  
  

AISC-Certified Fabrication at Midwest Fence

Midwest Fence provides in-house steel and aluminum fabrication from our Chicago facility. Our capabilities support bridge and highway components, railings, barriers, structural frames, custom fence systems, gates, enclosures, and other specialty metal fabrication. Our AISC certification is an important part of that capability.

Since 2010, we have continued to maintain the quality systems and auditing requirements behind the certification—giving general contractors, agencies, and project teams confidence that quality is built into our fabrication process.

Looking for an AISC-Certified Fabricator?

Midwest Fence works with general contractors, transportation agencies, municipalities, and commercial and industrial clients throughout Chicago and Illinois.

Learn more about our AISC-certified fabrication capabilities, or send us your plans and specifications to discuss your next project.

Request a Quote Today!