Turkish Ready-Mixed Concrete Sector Leads the World in Sustainability

"Concrete Technologies and Correct Concrete Application Seminar" was organized by Turkey Ready Mixed Concrete Association (THBB) in Isparta. The main topics of the seminar were quality concrete production and correct concrete application.

Selçuk Uçar, Director of THBB Quality Assurance System (KGS) Economic Enterprise, emphasized in his speech the importance of focusing on sustainability in parallel with the world. Uçar noted that they presented the Responsible Use of Resources System to the Turkish ready mixed concrete and cement sectors, and by beginning certification of ready mixed concrete plants and cement factories in 2018, they achieved one of the world's first accomplishments in sustainability as the Turkish ready mixed concrete sector. Turkey Ready Mixed Concrete Association (THBB) has continued to make significant efforts since its establishment in 1988 to ensure quality concrete is produced and used in Turkey. For this purpose, THBB organizes numerous events as well as seminars on "Concrete Technologies and Correct Concrete Application." These seminars are held periodically in various regions of Turkey and aim to explain correct concrete applications to concrete users including contractors, architects and engineers; to officials of public administrations dealing with concrete, representatives of construction inspection bodies and concrete producers.

On 11 April 2019, the eighteenth seminar in the series launched by THBB in 2017 was held at the Isparta Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference Hall.

Isparta Mayor Şükrü Başdeğirmen, Isparta Provincial Director of Environment and Urbanization Abdullah Borca, Board Member of İMO Antalya Branch Umut Turan, KGS Economic Enterprise Director Selçuk Uçar and İMO Isparta Representative Şeref Korkmaz opened the Seminar with their opening remarks. Within the scope of the Seminar, THBB Technical and Sustainability Director Koray Saçlıtüre presented on "Recent Developments in the Ready Mixed Concrete Sector in Turkey and the World"; Former Dean of İTÜ Faculty of Civil Engineering Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Taşdemir presented on "Recent Developments in Concrete Technology"; and THBB Quality Assurance System Director Selçuk Uçar presented on "Quality Controls in Concrete." Civil engineers, contractors, architects and concrete producers showed strong interest in this seminar. THBB Quality Assurance System Director Selçuk Uçar presented recent developments in the ready mixed concrete sector in Turkey and worldwide. Uçar stated: "Turkey Ready Mixed Concrete Association monitors global developments most effectively and brings them to our country. By focusing on sustainability in parallel with the world, we presented the Responsible Use of Resources System to the Turkish ready mixed concrete and cement sectors. By beginning certification of ready mixed concrete plants and cement factories in 2018, we achieved one of the world's first accomplishments in sustainability as the Turkish ready mixed concrete sector.

THBB, as a Regional System Operator of the Concrete Sustainability Council, continues intensive information activities for the ready mixed concrete, cement and aggregate sectors. KGS independently conducts inspections and continues to certify ready mixed concrete plants and cement factories," he said.

Selçuk Uçar noted that they follow developments related to the Electronic Concrete Monitoring System (EBİS), briefly called "Smart Concrete," stating: "The EBİS regulation came into effect at the end of 2018. In 2018, we began our work before the system came into effect. We prepared various reports regarding our findings and the problems encountered by our members along with solution suggestions, which we submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization General Directorate of Construction Affairs. Most of our suggestions were approved by the Ministry authorities and work has begun. We continue our work by closely monitoring all developments related to the matter," he said. THBB Technical and Sustainability Director Koray Saçlıtüre presented recent developments in the ready mixed concrete sector in Turkey and worldwide in his presentation. Saçlıtüre stated: "Our project called Turkey Ready Mixed Concrete Association Concrete Research, Development and Technology Consulting Center was found successful by Istanbul Development Agency and we began this project as of October. Through this project, with new equipment we will add to our laboratory and through R&D work and consulting services we will provide, we will continue to contribute to our sector," he said. Koray Saçlıtüre discussed recent technological developments in the ready mixed concrete sector. Saçlıtüre said: "In 2018, the 'Permeable Concrete Guide' was prepared through the work of our Association and the T.C. Ministry of Environment and Urbanization Supreme Technical Board Presidency. 'Permeable Concrete' is also referred to as 'permeable concrete without sand' or 'porous concrete.' Permeable Concrete has many environmental benefits, such as reducing flood damage caused by excessive rainfall by allowing rainwater to meet the soil and enabling the renewal of groundwater," he said. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Taşdemir, Former Dean of İTÜ Faculty of Civil Engineering, provided information at the Seminar regarding concrete components, concrete production, placement and maintenance. Taşdemir stated: "Monumental structures, important public buildings, high-rise buildings, bridges and important water structures being built today increasingly require higher performance. These structures, which represent significant investments, are expected to fulfill their functions within a certain level of safety throughout their service lives," he said.