KGS: The Address for Single, Effective and Efficient Inspection in Concrete Production

  The "Concrete Technologies and Proper Concrete Application Seminar" was organized by Turkey Ready-Mix Concrete Association (THBB) in Tokat with the aim of ensuring quality concrete production and proper concrete application. Selçuk Uçar, Director of the THBB Quality Assurance System (KGS) Economic Enterprise, stated that in addition to on-site inspections of concrete production facilities, they also conduct unannounced product inspections, ensuring continuity in production quality at facilities. Uçar noted that KGS currently carries out the only effective and efficient inspection of concrete production in the country. Since its establishment in 1988, Turkey Ready-Mix Concrete Association (THBB) has made significant efforts toward the production and use of quality concrete in Turkey. In pursuit of this goal, THBB organizes numerous events as well as seminars on "Concrete Technologies and Proper Concrete Application." These seminars are held periodically in various regions of Turkey. The primary objective of these seminars is to explain proper concrete application practices to concrete users, including contractors, architects and engineers; to relevant authorities of public administrations dealing with concrete; to representatives of building inspection organizations; and to concrete producers. The nineteenth seminar in the series launched by THBB in 2017 was held on 24 April 2019 at the Tokat 26 June Atatürk Cultural Center Conference Hall in cooperation with the Chamber of Civil Engineers Tokat Representation. Within the scope of the seminar, THBB Quality Assurance System Director Selçuk Uçar gave a presentation on "Quality Inspections in Concrete"; THBB Technical and Sustainability Director Koray Saçlıtüre presented on "Recent Developments in the Ready-Mix Concrete Sector in Turkey and Worldwide"; and former Dean of Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Civil Engineering Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Taşdemir presented on "Recent Developments in Concrete Technology." Civil engineers, contractors, architects and concrete producers received the seminar with considerable interest. THBB Quality Assurance System Director Selçuk Uçar stated: "Among the work conducted by our Association to ensure quality production of all concrete used in our country, the most important was the establishment of the THBB Quality Assurance System (KGS). Quality production and the implementation of standards are only possible through inspection. For this reason, our Association established KGS in 1995 to ensure quality concrete production in Turkey. KGS performs not only on-site inspections of concrete production facilities but also conducts unannounced product inspections. In this way, continuity in production quality at facilities is ensured. Through this method, KGS currently carries out the only effective and efficient inspection of concrete production in our country. THBB does not accept concrete producers that have not undergone inspection into membership. For this reason, all ready-mix concrete facilities that are THBB members are guaranteed to be producing in compliance with EU standards. Sixty-five percent of concrete produced in our country is inspected by KGS. This rate is quite high, but it is not sufficient for us. Our goal is to increase this rate to one hundred percent to increase safe structures." He continued: "We are following developments related to the Electronic Concrete Monitoring System (EBİS), commonly called 'Chipped Concrete.' The EBİS regulation came into force at the end of 2018. In 2018, we started our work before the system came into force. We prepared various reports on our findings, problems encountered by our members and solution proposals, which we submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization General Directorate of Building Affairs. The vast majority of our recommendations were deemed appropriate by Ministry authorities and work was initiated. We continue our work by closely monitoring all developments on this matter." THBB Technical and Sustainability Director Koray Saçlıtüre conveyed recent developments in the ready-mix concrete sector in Turkey and worldwide. Saçlıtüre stated: "Our project titled 'Turkey Ready-Mix Concrete Association Concrete Research Development and Technology Consultancy Center' was found successful by Istanbul Development Agency and as of October we have begun work on this project. Through the new equipment we will provide to our laboratory within the framework of this project and through our R&D activities and consulting services, we will continue to contribute to our sector." He continued: "In 2018, the 'Permeable Concrete Guide' was prepared through the work of our Association and the High Technical Board Presidency of the Turkish Republic Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. 'Permeable Concrete' is also referred to as 'permeable sand-free concrete' or 'porous concrete.' 'Permeable Concrete' has many environmental benefits such as reducing flooding caused by excessive rainfall by allowing rainwater to meet the soil and enabling the renewal of groundwater." Former Dean of Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Civil Engineering Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Taşdemir provided information regarding concrete components, concrete production, placement and maintenance. Taşdemir stated: "The monumental structures, important public buildings, high-rise buildings, bridges and significant water structures being constructed today increasingly require higher performance. These structures, which entail substantial investments, are expected to fulfill their functions within a certain level of safety throughout their service life."