EFNARC Focus Groups
Collaborative Excellence Through Focus Groups
At EFNARC, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our focus groups are dynamic platforms where industry experts and stakeholders come together to shape the future of sprayed concrete. These groups address critical aspects of our field, from technology advancements to safety standards. Discover the dedicated efforts of each focus group as they drive innovation and excellence within the sprayed concrete industry.
Purpose
Our primary mission is to facilitate and enhance the Nozzle Operator Certification scheme, which stands at the core of EFNARC's initiatives.
Working Group Members
Tomislav Rogan, Group leader (Edvirt)
Anna Lax, Certificate Admin (Edvirt)
Benedikt Lindlar, Examiner course instructor (Sika)
Roland Mayr Examiner course instructor (Master Builders Solutions)
Ritchard Hood (Normet)
Focus Group 1: Nozzleman Operator Certification Scheme
Purpose
Our goal is to foster dynamic communication within the global shotcrete community while actively monitoring and discussing emerging training needs and market trends. By doing so, we aim to increase awareness about the critical role of nozzle operator training in enhancing safety, productivity, and sustainability within underground construction.
Working Group Members
Michael Kompatscher (Hagerbach Test Gallery), Group leader
Anna Lax (Edvirt)
Christina Buxtorf (EFNARC)
Christine Krauss (Blackdog Consulting)
Focus Group 2: EFNARC Communication
Working Group Members
Jonathan Lavalle, Group leader (McLean Engineering)
Enrico Dal Negro (Mapei)
Fredrik Pramberg (Edvirt)
Focus Group 3: Mining
Purpose
This working group is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of fiber-reinforced sprayed concrete (FRSC). It focuses on elucidating FRSC mechanisms, detailing fiber types and testing methods, enhancing specifications, and improving quality control to ensure optimal performance in various construction applications.
Working Group Members
Benoit de Rivaz, Group leader (Bekaert)
Roland Mayr (Master Builders)
Carsten Rieger (Sika Services)
Sascha Schreiner (Sika Services)
Jürgen Bokern (Master Builders)
Hannah Cross (Normet)
Enrico Dal Negro (Utt Mapei)
Oliver Millon (Hagerbach Test Gallery)
Julian Michels (Hagerbach Test Gallery)
Des Vlietstra (BarChip)
David Taylor (Sika Services)
Davide Grassi (Utt Mapei)
Focus Group 4: Fibres For Concrete
Purpose
The working group is dedicated to advancing the testing methodologies and standards for fire protection systems in tunnel construction, with the aim of establishing widely recognized Technical Testing Standards that can be certified by accredited laboratories.
Working Group Members
Michael Kompatscher, Group leader (Hagerbach Test Gallery)
Oliver Millon (Hagerbach Test Gallery)
Maurice Guerrieri (Victoria University, Australia)
Focus Group 5: Testing Fire Protection Systems for Tunnels
Purpose
Established in 2023, this working group of SCL experts endeavours to provide guidelines and training on monitoring the sprayed concrete lining process for rebound and wastage. The first guideline is focused on the methods of measuring sprayed concrete rebound.
Working Group Members
Ritchard Hood, Group leader (Normet)
Ross Dimmock (Normet)
Rolf Dubach (Marti Tunnel)
Sebastien Jehle (Sika)
Enrico Dalnegro (Utt Mapei)
Roland Mayr (Master Builders Solution)
Focus Group 6: Monitoring
Purpose
The purpose of developing a TBM Pilot certification scheme is to standardize the training process and establish an industry-wide benchmark for TBM operation. This will ensure consistent, high-quality instruction, enhance safety, and promote excellence across tunneling projects.
Working Group Members
Christina Buxtorf, Group leader (EFNARC)
Gerhard Wehrmeyer (Herrenknecht)
Matthias Reinhold (Normet)
Benoit Chanteperdrix (Bouygues-construction)
Maxime Ramond (Bouygues-construction)
Rolf Dubach (Marti Tunnel)
Andreas Scheidegger (Marti Tunnel)
Enrico Barbero (Utt Mapei)
Sebastian Jehle (Sika)
Yves Girard (Master Builders Solution)
Focus Group 7: TBM Training
Working Group Members
Max Eckstein, Group leader (Normet)
Des Vlietstra (Barchip)
Gordon Opitz (OM Opitz+Matuschak)
Fredrik Pramberg (Edvirt)
Sebastian Jehle (Sika)
Christina Buxtorf (EFNARC)
