The UK Concrete Show is committed to providing a seminar experience to educate, enrich and engage the visitor. The Concrete Connect Seminar Theatre, situated on the exhibition floor, will feature free-to-attend sessions across both show days.
At the end of each seminar the audience will have the opportunity to put their questions to the speaker, whilst a panel will discuss the most salient issues at the end of each session.
Enhance your industry knowledge through sessions focused on the latest trends, best practices, and regulatory updates in the concrete and construction sector, supported by key industry bodies.
Located on the show floor, the Concrete Connect Seminar Theatre will be hosted by Susannah Streeter, a leading broadcaster and sustainability commentator.
As a senior investment and markets analyst, commentator and former business journalist, Susannah is a knowledgeable and highly-skilled interviewer who has quizzed leading business figures, politicians, entrepreneurs and economists on radio and TV, over 17 years at the BBC, and at live events.
Susannah has hosted many global conferences and interviewed world leaders and central bankers on economic issues and green policies, including the World Green Economy Summit in Dubai, the International Banking Forum in Kuwait, the Sustainable Finance Forum in Abu Dhabi and Our Ocean in Oslo.
Seminar programme
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Sustainable concrete solutions for a greener tomorrow
As the industry moves towards the Net Zero 2050 goal, lower-carbon concrete is becoming a priority. This session explores key technologies driving decarbonisation across the UK cement and concrete sector; the importance of collaboration across the supply and contractor chain if targets are to be achieved; and shines a spotlight on the latest research projects creating innovative solutions for a greener tomorrow.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar Theatre
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreElaine will provide the latest updates on the MPA’s cement and concrete sector decarbonisation roadmap for the UK. She will outline recent industry progress related to the key technological innovations driving the path to net zero and beyond.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreIn October 2024, Material Evolution launched a first-of-its-kind factory that will see the production of 120,000 tonnes of ultra-low carbon cement annually. The company uniquely leverages AI technology to develop ultra-low carbon cement, and launched the factory just over a year after its £15 million Series A fundraise. This talk will explore what the industry can learn from Material Evolution’s journey, and how this feeds into their mission to remove a gigaton of CO2 from the cement and concrete industries by 2040.
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Cutting carbon from construction is essential to meeting Net Zero ambitions. The challenges of adoption are all too often slowing the pace of innovation and scalability. We showcase the success of working with customers and clients to break through low carbon concrete adoption challenges and demonstrate how collaborative vision at the recent Liverpool One Station upgrade achieved carbon reductions.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreConcrete production accounts for about 8% of man-made CO2 emissions worldwide, of which up to 90% is due to cement clinker production. Substituting clinker contained in cement and ultimately in concrete with alternative materials such as limestone filler or supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) can save considerable amounts of carbon emissions. However, these more sustainable materials do not come without their own challenges and influence the concrete properties: Loss in workability, worsening of rheology, and the reduction of strength. Find out how the intelligent cluster system in the MasterCO2re admixture overcomes performance gaps associated with low-clinker concrete production.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreAs a secondary material recycled from tyres, Recycled Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (RSF) aims to replace industrial steel fibres (ISF) to improve concrete matrix‘s severability, fracture toughness, and residual tensile stress. Despite the increasing attention on the mechanical properties of this material, RSF concrete’s influence on structural component strength is still neglected due to a lack of sufficient and reliable experimental data. This presentation will highlight new research outcomes that will enhance structural applications with ISF and RSF in construction industry.
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Graphene in concrete: performance, sustainability, and commerciality
Hosted by The Graphene Council and featuring the latest advancements in graphene-enhanced concrete technology. This cutting-edge session will include presentations from industry leaders Versarien and Concretene, showcasing their commercially developed solutions. Attendees will gain insights into how graphene is revolutionizing the concrete industry, offering improved strength, durability, and significant reductions in CO2 emissions. The Graphene Council will provide context on the broader implications of these innovations for the construction sector and their potential to drive sustainability in concrete production.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar Theatre
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreGraphene is a remarkable form of carbon known for its exceptional properties like superior strength, flexibility, and conductivity. In concrete, graphene can bring significant improvements in durability, sustainability, and overall performance. This presentation will look into the commercial aspects of graphene in concrete and how small amounts added to concrete can lead to substantial enhancements. Explore how graphene can transform concrete, making it stronger, more durable, and more environmentally friendly, highlighting its potential to shape the future of sustainable construction.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreVersarien (AIM:VRS) is an IP-led advanced engineering materials group that utilises proprietary technology to create innovative engineering solutions. Versarien manufactures advanced materials such as graphene and utilises these materials across a number of sectors. This talk will highlight two key product streams in the construction sector - Cementene and 3D construction printing (3DCP).Speakers
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreScalability and cost are two of the biggest barriers to entry to the concrete market for novel materials such as graphene. Mike Harrison, CEO of decarbonising admixture company Concretene, explains the issues around supply chain, scale-up and real-world implementation that frame a key question for industry around embodied carbon: with increasingly stringent environmental legislation coming down the track, can you afford not to innovate?Speakers
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Live Demo ZoneDeWalt
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Digitalization Spotlight
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreDigitalisation of readymix concrete is now a reality with collaboration between the contractor and producer allowing optimisation of mix designs to meet performance criteria whilst reducing the overall carbon value of the concrete. In this session we will discuss the delivery of CEVO Digital, and Tarmac's first trial of MixAI with Getjar Ltd on a Mace project known as Belgrove House in Kings Cross. MixAI is the next step in the digitalisation evolution of concrete. Algorithm intelligence delivers mix designs and compliance data to help contractors and producers make data-driven decisions in the design and use of concrete.
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Repair and maintenance: protecting our built heritage
From concrete scanning, structural applications and injection techniques to waterproofing systems and repair mortars, the management of concrete repair and maintenance is being increasingly driven by sustainability. Whether it's addressing deterioration in infrastructure, industrial flooring, or other assets, expertise in concrete care can help maintain and extend the life of our built environment.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreThe presentation will outline the design principles of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strengthening for concrete structures based on EN 1992-1-1 (2023). It will cover material properties of the CFRP system, strengthening applications codified in the standard, along with some of the technical basis for the code provisions.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreThe presentation aims to explore the intersection of sustainability, carbon management and concrete repair. Highlighting innovative methods, materials and case studies that enhance and show whole life cycle stewardship while maintaining structural integrity of repairs and assets. We will show how both sustainability and concrete repair practices, can contribute to a more sustainable built environment.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreConcrete degradation threatens the durability of underground structures, as cracks allow water and gases to penetrate, compromising steel reinforcement. This research aims to enhance the resilience of underground concrete by leveraging indigenous soil bacteria instead of adding bacteria directly to the mix. High pH levels and reduced pore space in concrete hinder bacterial survival. To address this, supplementary materials were used to reduce pH and promote bacterial activity. This study builds on previous studies at the University of Derby. It replaces 50% of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) in cracked cement mortar with saturated natural soil, targeting sustainable solutions for concrete degradation. Crack sealing was assessed using microscopy, water absorption tests, and SEM-EDX analysis. Soil sieve analysis and pH measurements were also conducted to evaluate the chemical environment. Findings contribute to innovative, sustainable methods for improving the performance and durability of underground concrete structures.
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Ready for the revolution: from drive-throughs to eMixers
The ready-mix concrete sector is undergoing a revolution as innovation delivers greater productivity and more sustainable, lower carbon outcomes. Find out about the latest ‘drive-through’ technology that can offer more bespoke and efficient self-service solutions. Discover how major producer Tarmac are leading the electrication charge by overcoming the barriers holding back the widespread adoption of eMixers.
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Mixing business with sustainability: The rise of self-service concrete, mortar and screed technologyConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreDiscover how self-service concrete, mortar, and screed technology is revolutionizing the industry by blending business efficiency with sustainability. This session will showcase real-world case studies, highlight key environmental and economic benefits, and explore how the fibo Collect model supports progress toward CO2 climate goals.Speakers
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreThe transportation model for readymix concrete is perfect for early electrification. Trucks are often single-shifted, travel short distances to customer sites and typically return to the same base plant allowing a simple and cost-effective charging setup. But there remain a number of barriers that are delaying the widespread adoption of eMixers. In this session we will explore those barriers and how to remove them, accelerating the uptake of eMixers. Lowering the carbon footprint of readymix concrete, improving air quality in urban areas and construction sites and improving road safety, eMixers are the future for concrete delivery.
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Spotlights Session
Developed by Imperial College, find out about Kiacrete – a new puddle-free pavement technology embracing the challenges of climate change; get guidance on choosing a floor screed and understand the benefits of using sophisticated liquid systems; and attract new customers for your business with invaluable tips from a digital marketing consultancy.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreUrban flooding costs the UK £2.2bn annually and is projected to increase to £27bn by 2080, with climate change increasing the likelihood of major storm events by 59%. Permeable concrete pavements rapidly drain stormwater; however, they are prone to clogging, severely reducing their permeability. Furthermore, conventional permeable pavements have poor strength and durability, which limits their applications. Discover how Kiacrete can address these issues. Developed at Imperial College, London, Kiacrete has a new engineered pore structure and a higher strength cementitious mix which can increase permeability, reduce clogging, improve freeze-thaw resistance, add strength, and lower a pavement’s carbon footprint.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreConsidering their relative simplicity, floor screeds seem to have a poor reputation for causing problems. This may be changing however, as for the first time we are seeing a strong move to the use of sophisticated liquid systems. Liquid screeds are not new: We have had them for over 30 years and yet, until quite recently, their use was fairly minimal. This is now changing fast. This presentation looks at how and why this is so, the benefits that we are already seeing and possibilities for the future. Floor screeds often cause problems despite their simplicity, but this is changing with a shift towards sophisticated liquid systems. Though liquid screeds have existed for over 30 years, their use was minimal until recently. This presentation examines the reasons for their increased use, benefits observed, and future possibilities.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreGet practical tips and advice to help you get more customers and revenue from your website and marketing campaigns. Adtrak look at concrete search trends and multiple marketing channels online to help concrete companies secure more business from their website, SEO, ppc, social and more.
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Digital monitoring and measurement of fresh concrete
The adoption of digital measurement and monitoring can provide improved visibility and traceability to drive quality and productivity improvements and associated cost reductions. Reduction in plant/person interface adds safety benefits and reduced wastage and efficient use of resources brings sustainability benefits. Digital monitoring systems provide the real-time measurement and recording of fresh concrete properties such as temperature, air content and consistence. These calibrated, digital systems may also be capable of adjusting concrete properties such as the addition of water or admixture to correct consistence. Hosted by the CEO of the Concrete Society, Claire Ackerman, this session will share and discuss the latest guidance from the Concrete Society and i3P and include a case study that demonstrates the benefits of digital systems.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreSteve will introduce the latest Concrete Society Good Concrete Guide 11 covering the use of digital monitoring and measurement of fresh concrete properties. Controls for successful implementation and benefits of using this technology will be highlighted to provide confidence in future specifying and adoption.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreThe advent of digital monitoring tools for fresh concrete, such as Verifi has transformed the supply chain’s ability to see opportunities for optimisation that reach from the producer all the way back to the client. However seeing the opportunities is only part of the picture. It requires significant behavioural change from many significant participants in the supply chain. In this presentation Helen will share their experience with the supply chain on HS2.
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Live Demo ZoneZzzzzz
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Attracting and retaining talent: education, training, and the power of people | Emerging Talent Awards
How businesses can attract, train, and retain the next generation of concrete professionals is essential for your business to prosper and successfully meet the growing challenges of sustainability and digitalisation. The Institute of Concrete Technology provide an industry perspective on the training and qualifications available to enhance your career prospects; Culture Kick stress the importance of creating the right culture for young people to thrive in; and finally the opportunities available through the recently launched Student and Young Professional Network (ICT SYPro) are promoted.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar Theatre
The ICT offers four Academic Stages of Concrete Technology Qualifications and two Competence Certifications in testing Concrete. These are globally recognised as being the leading qualifications for Concrete Technology.
The presentation, by the Chair of the Technical and Education Committee of the ICT, will give an overview of these qualifications and how they can enhance a career in the Concrete Industry. It will also show how candidates may progress to Chartered Engineer through this pathway.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreBecky introduces a unique framework to build a high performance culture for young leaders - the Culture Kick Culture Cake. This provides tangible ideas and tools to support leaders to build better cultures.Speakers
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ConcreteConnect Seminar Theatre
The Institute of Concrete Technology's Student and Young Professional Network (ICT SYPro) is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of students and young professionals in the field of concrete technology. Launched in April 2023, ICT-SYPro aims to create a vibrant community that supports professional identity, peer collaboration, and continuous professional development (CPD).
ICT-SYPro offers a range of benefits, including free student membership, offers for ICT conferences, and access to exclusive networking events. Members can engage with industry experts, participate in technical sessions, and gain hands-on experience through site visits and competitions. The network also provides a platform for young professionals to voice their ideas and contribute to the institute's initiatives.
Join this talk to hear more details on the benefits of joining SYPro and how you can become a member.
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ConcreteConnect Seminar TheatreYoung talent is critical to ensure an inclusive, innovative and sustainable future for the industry. Join us to recognise and reward the achievements and efforts of those in the early stage of their careers in the sector, as we celebrate the top five individuals who have made a positive contribution to the industry.Chairperson
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