Platform on concrete and steel in construction
The BOP brings together five organizations representing the entire concrete maintenance chain, from knowledge center, design and consulting to suppliers, contractors and training institutions. Working together, their joint mission is to take concrete repair to the next level and let the market benefit.
Advise, share knowledge, collaborate
VABOR was founded in 1992. This resulted from a need among property managers and owners and specialized concrete repair companies for high-quality and clear advice regarding concrete maintenance and repair. In the more than 33 years that VABOR has been active, it has dedicated itself to knowledge sharing and improving the accessibility of professional knowledge. In addition, the association is the meeting place for professionals in the field of research, repair and preservation of concrete structures, the concrete maintenance professional (BOK). VABOR strives to give this concrete maintenance expert a clear place within the Dutch consulting market.
Moving towards a circular economy, the preservation of existing structures seems more important than ever. In the coming decades, the Netherlands faces a huge challenge with the Renewal and Renovation Task (R&R task). Not only much of our infrastructure, such as bridges, viaducts and tunnels, but also port facilities, industrial facilities, residential and utility buildings are nearing the end of their lifespans. The lack of people and resources makes it a major challenge to tackle this task. The specialism of the VABOR bureau members in the field of (re)assessment and conservation comes into its own here. Based on targeted inspections and investigations, they are able to design independent and state-of-the-art repair and strengthening measures and offer life-extending solutions, always matching the client's needs. In addition, they play an essential role in the guidance, quality assessment and quality assurance of execution processes.
To successfully realize the V&R task and thereby ensure safety, livability and accessibility, cooperation within the chain is crucial. The Concrete Maintenance Platform promotes this cooperation and enables VABOR to promote the specialist field more widely.
Durable life extension of concrete
The VLB is a trade association with renowned producers and manufacturers of high-quality concrete repair and protection products and systems. The association aims to contribute with its solutions to long-term preservation of concrete structures and to extend the technical service life by guaranteeing, improving and optimizing the quality of concrete repair and protection products. Here, sustainability plays an increasingly important role. To achieve its objective, the VLB actively participates in various construction-related discussion platforms and (inter)national consultative bodies. In addition, the association ensures that quality and certification are in line with the most current market needs and requirements.
In concrete maintenance, the correct repair method depends on the nature, extent and type of concrete damage, as well as the desired preservation period. Correct working methods and appropriate systems are essential to extend service life and ensure structural safety. VLB members have certified products and systems and in-depth market knowledge, enabling them to provide expert advice and support. This helps ensure high-quality concrete maintenance now and in the future.
As an independent industry association, the VLB shares its knowledge and latest developments within the Concrete Maintenance Platform. The VLB is a co-founder of the Concrete Maintenance Platform (BOP).
Cathodic Protection essential for life extension
Cathodic Protection of Steel in Concrete (RD) has become an integral part of concrete maintenance. This technique stops and prevents corrosion, extending the life of structures. Especially with chloride-initiated reinforcement corrosion, long-term protection of concrete structures is not possible without KB.
In 35 years, a lot of experience has been gained in the Netherlands with the application of KB to concrete structures. In order to bring the technique to wide attention, the KB Knowledge Center Foundation has been established. In it, clients, training institutes, consulting firms, contractors and suppliers are represented who are committed to knowledge development and application of KB. The activities of the knowledge center include:
The KB Knowledge Center, as one of five members, is fully committed to the mission of the Concrete Maintenance Platform: "Extend the life of concrete, value it and repair it. The preservation and reuse of existing concrete structures is critical. With the right knowledge, deployed at the right time, concrete can be a sustainable and green choice. This fits perfectly with the ambitions of the National Strategy for Climate Neutral and Circular Infrastructure Projects.
Honest advice, skilled execution
The sixteen members of VBR are among the top when it comes to the maintenance, protection and strengthening of concrete structures. From small projects to large-scale interventions, each project is approached with a customized Plan of Action and certified concrete repair. The work of these specialists is crucial, emphasizes Department Chairman Christian Carlie. "More and more real estate, homes, bridges and viaducts are reaching the end of their technical lifespan and need maintenance. A well-executed concrete repair can extend the service life of a viaduct, for example, by up to 30 years. This may be less visible, but at least as durable. That's why our motto is: value it and repair it."
To bring additional attention to the importance of concrete maintenance, the Concrete Maintenance Platform (BOP) was established. Carlie: "From the training of professionals and inspections to the actual repair and protection of concrete structures: all disciplines are represented within this platform. Through close cooperation, we optimally coordinate our activities so that clients are assured of honest advice and expert execution with certified products." That sounds obvious, but it's not. "Concrete repair is specialized work. With more and more managers looking to extend the life of their concrete structures, the pressure on the market is increasing. The more than 50 companies within the BOP are happy to take on that challenge."
Training and retraining for the future
In the concrete repair industry, craftsmanship is key. OtBS plays a crucial role in this by offering high-quality training and continuing education for concrete repair specialists. With a nationally recognized college diploma, OtBS offers concrete repair specialists the opportunity to further develop themselves and take their professional knowledge to the next level. This is important not only for the growth of individual professionals, but also for the quality of the industry as a whole.
OtBS offers two levels of training, provided in cooperation with the Regional Training Center Midden Nederland in Nieuwegein. Level 2 trains to become a Concrete Repair Specialist, Level 3 to become an All-round Concrete Repair Specialist. Both courses last a year and a half and combine theory with practice. Students attend classes one day a week at the training center, where, under the guidance of experienced professionals, they learn both the technical knowledge and practical skills essential to the trade. Practical training is provided at the 35 concrete repair companies affiliated with OtBS.
It is essential for concrete repair companies to employ qualified staff, especially if they want to comply with the BRL 3201:2017 accreditation scheme. Only companies affiliated with OtBS can register students for training, ensuring that the courses meet the highest industry standards. In the past five years, some 150 concrete repair specialists have already earned their degrees through OtBS, demonstrating that these training programs are really making a difference in strengthening professionalism in the industry.
To ensure the quality of the work performed by concrete repair specialists, continuing education is of great importance. Therefore OtBS has developed, in cooperation with the Vakgroep gecertificeerde BetonReparatiebedrijven within Bouwend Nederland, three valuable refresher courses: Recognizing and repairing constructive concrete damage, Effectively measuring the quality of own work and Injecting. These modules are free of charge for member companies and are led by their own concrete maintenance expert. In-company training and national courses are also available for companies (including those not affiliated with the OtBS).
The Concrete Repair Specialist Training Foundation is a key player in strengthening professional competence in the concrete repair industry. Through the combination of practical experience, high-quality training and continuing education courses, OtBS is committed to a future-proof concrete repair industry.
Louwers Mediagroep
Schatbeurderlaan 6
6002 ED Weert
© 1987 - 2025 Louwers Media Group.
