On August 7th, we held another SH Masterclass on our YouTube channel, addressing an essential topic for civil engineering professionals and students: Quality and Technological Control of Concrete Batched in a Plant.
The guest speaker was Álvaro Sérgio Barbosa Júnior, technical coordinator of ABESC (Brazilian Association of Concrete Services Companies), civil engineer, master’s degree in Transportation/Paving, and specialist in cost management in civil construction. With extensive experience in the sector, Álvaro also speaks at national and international conferences and actively participates in technical committees at ABNT, INMETRO, and CREA.
What did you miss?
During the presentation, Álvaro explored best practices and fundamental requirements for the specification and technological control of concrete used in various applications in civil construction—from structures to concrete walls. He also presented a current overview of concrete production, supply, and quality in major Brazilian cities, highlighting challenges, opportunities, and trends.
Among the points covered, we highlight:
Production and sector participation: In 2023, Brazil produced 43 million m³ of centrally mixed concrete (CDC), reaching 47 million m³ in 2024. ABESC member companies account for approximately 70% of this volume.
Quality control and certifications: More than 450 plants already have ABNT-ABESC certification, and only 52 concrete laboratories in the country are accredited by Inmetro (32 private).
Results of good practices: Companies that adopt strict batching and quality control achieve up to a 30% reduction in rejects and up to a 20% increase in construction durability.
Innovation in testing and monitoring: Increasing adoption of the Maturity Method (ASTM C1074) with sensors and automation to determine the ideal time for form release and traffic, in addition to tests to measure the modulus of elasticity of concrete using the dynamic method.
Sustainability and low carbon: partial replacement of clinker with granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, and calcined clay, achieving emissions reductions of up to 70% and productivity increases of up to 21% in concrete batching plants.
About ABESC
Founded in 1978, the Brazilian Association of Concrete Services Companies works to improve the quality and technology of concrete batched in Brazilian plants. The organization compiles technical resources, promotes best practices, and encourages compliance with sustainability standards and requirements.
Don’t miss the chance to stay up to date: if you couldn’t attend live, the full content is available on our YouTube channel.
👉 Watch the Masterclass now
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With 55 years of experience and thousands of projects under its belt, SH is a Brazilian company that develops innovative solutions for the construction industry, specializing in the rental of structural engineering equipment, including formwork systems, scaffolding, and metal shoring. SH offers systems for rental and sale at 11 locations in Brazil and one in Paraguay.
