The “Concrete Technologies and Correct Concrete Applications Seminar” was organized in Isparta by the Turkish Ready Mixed Concrete Association (THBB). The seminar, which was organized for the purpose of producing quality concrete and performing concrete applications correctly, emphasized the importance of the correct application of ready-mixed concrete with a Quality Assurance System (KGS) certificate as a prerequisite for long-lasting and earthquake-resistant reinforced concrete structures.
Having made significant efforts to ensure that quality concrete is produced and used in Türkiye since its establishment in 1988, the Turkish Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (THBB) organizes seminars on “Concrete Technologies and Correct Concrete Applications” in addition to the numerous events it organizes for this purpose. These seminars, which are held periodically in various regions of Türkiye, aim to explain the correct applications of concrete to concrete users, primarily contractors, architects, engineers; to public administration officials related to concrete; to representatives of building inspection organizations and to concrete producers.
The twenty-fourth of the seminar series that THBB started in 2017 was held on May 12, 2025 at the Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry Meeting Hall. The seminar, which began with the opening speeches of Isparta Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Provincial Director Bekir Çelen, Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board Chairman Metin Çelik, and İMO Antalya Branch Isparta Representation Chairman Erdem Demiralay, was followed by a presentation titled “Ready-Mixed Concrete in Türkiye and the World” by THBB Secretary General, Civil Engineer Reşat Sönmez; “Durability, Service Life of Concrete, and Matters to be Considered in Application” by ITU Faculty of Civil Engineering Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Özkan Şengül; and “Components, Classes, Properties, and Quality Control of Concrete” by THBB Technical Advisor, Civil Engineer MSc Yasin Engin. The seminar attracted great interest from civil engineers, contractors, architects, concrete producers, and students.
Quality concrete and effective control are essential for safe structures
Stating that concrete is the most consumed material in the world after water, THBB Secretary General Reşat Sönmez said, “According to statistics, Turkey is the country that produces the most concrete in Europe and the concrete classes used in our country today are above the European average.” Emphasizing the importance of concrete quality for earthquake-resistant structures, THBB Secretary General Reşat Sönmez said, “In order to build safer structures against earthquakes, it is necessary to use concretes with at least C30/37 resistance class that are suitable for environmental effects.”
Sharing the work carried out by THBB, THBB Secretary General Reşat Sönmez said, “It is mandatory for the member companies of our association to produce in accordance with the standards in all ready-mixed concrete facilities, to obtain the KGS Certificate of Conformity for all their facilities by being subject to continuous unannounced inspections of the Turkish Ready-Mixed Concrete Association Quality Assurance System (KGS); to have appropriate laboratories and competent personnel; and to fully fulfill technical, environmental, occupational health and safety, legal and ethical criteria.”
Construction and ready-mixed concrete sectors will meet at BETON 2025
Sharing the events organized by the Union in order to shape the future of the sector, discover the latest technologies and strengthen collaborations, THBB Secretary General Reşat Sönmez said, “We have started the work for the “BETON 2025 Ready-Mixed Concrete Fair and Summit” organized by our Union under the organization of TG Expo. The latest technological products, vehicles, machinery and equipment, services and hardware related to the construction, ready-mixed concrete, cement and aggregate sectors will be exhibited at the BETON 12 Fair, which we will organize in the 15th, 2025th and 9th halls of the Istanbul Expo Center between November 10-11, 2025. At the BETON 2025 Summit, which we will organize simultaneously with the fair, meetings will be held with expert speakers and moderators on various themes concerning our sector, especially economy, sustainability, low carbon, circular economy, innovation and digitalization. I invite all relevant company officials to attend the BETON 2025 Fair and Summit and follow the latest developments in the sector.”
We must take care for long-lasting concrete structures.
THBB Technical Advisor Yasin Engin, who touched upon the historical development of concrete and why concrete is such a popular material, said, “When designing reinforced concrete structures, not only the concrete’s compressive strength but also the environmental conditions in which it will serve should be taken into consideration. Because environmental effects have significant effects on concrete performance. These effects should be determined at the design stage and precautions should be taken. Ensuring compressive strength alone is not enough, the aim is to produce impermeable, long-lasting concrete. Otherwise, we will continue to see corrosion damage in basements, to put it simply.”
The structures being built today require higher performances.
ITU Civil Engineering Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Özkan Şengül provided information about concrete production, placement, maintenance, field reinforcement and mold workmanship in the seminar and said, “Today, monumental structures, important public buildings, high-rise buildings, bridges and important water structures being constructed increasingly require higher performances. These structures, which cost large investments, are expected to fulfill their functions with a certain level of safety throughout their service life. For this reason, the correct application of quality concrete on the construction site is as important as its quality.”
