Platform on concrete and steel in construction
How hands-on sessions connect, inspire and empower concrete and steel industry professionals
In an industry where constructive safety, sustainability and reliability are central, the need for up-to-date knowledge that can be directly applied in practice is growing. The Nebest Academy plays an increasing role in this. The knowledge platform brings together professionals from across the country to share insights on a variety of topics. This spring, for example, sessions are planned on such topics as damage recognition, test loading, forensic damage investigation and sustainable preservation. But what does participating in a session really provide? Three previous participants share their experiences.
For many professionals, the Nebest Academy is a logical place to update their professional knowledge. According to Frank van Oevelen, civil works manager at Leusden Municipality, the knowledge sessions are accessible and easy to follow in terms of content. He attended sessions on asset management, damage recognition and non-destructive testing. What strikes him most is that the speakers are passionate about imparting knowledge, without a commercial angle: “One subject is dealt with, about which various speakers talk with great passion and pleasure.”
Ad van Vugt, asset manager at the municipality of ’s-Hertogenbosch, also recognizes this. He previously attended sessions on historic concrete, joint transitions and reuse of structures, among other topics. “The content and diversity of the sessions are definitely valuable,” he says. The combination of theory, practical cases and interaction gives him the practical tools that can be used immediately in his daily work.
An important feature of the Nebest Academy is the link between theory and practice. This is also experienced by Mandana Sholeh, senior construction employee and registered structural engineer at the Government Property Agency: “My experiences with the knowledge sessions are instructive and inspiring. Good practical examples are always shared.” What specifically stuck out to her was a knowledge session that focused on concrete repair. “I was always under the impression that cathodic protection was an expensive solution that doesn't work well in practice. A real-life case study gave me a more realistic view of the possibilities.”
In addition to content, meeting plays an important role. Sholeh sees the Academy as a place where expertise comes together: “Experts from different companies and regions gather. That low-threshold interaction between disciplines is really instructive.” Van Vugt also emphasizes the value of contact: “Besides keeping up with knowledge and gaining new knowledge, such a session also provides a meeting place and a way to network on a small scale.”
In 2026, the Nebest Academy offers thirteen inspiring sessions full of in-depth insights and relevant practical examples. Among the sessions scheduled in the coming months are the following, with a clear focus on concrete and steel:
Concrete damage recognition: identifying, understanding and preventing | March 18
How to recognize concrete problems early? This session gives a practical introduction and covers causes of damage and the mechanisms behind them, the timely detection and assessment of damage, as well as which examination techniques and repair methods contribute to sustainable solutions.
Forensic damage investigation: from incident to evidence | March 26
This session provides a broad overview of all forms of damage investigation, from structural damage to fire investigation and material failure. Practical case studies will show how a multidisciplinary and independent approach makes a difference and helps mitigate risk and inform decisions.
Reusing steel structures: opportunities, challenges and impact | June 11
Reuse of steel structures requires careful considerations. This session provides clear and practical insight into this. It discusses the steps necessary to achieve safe, responsible and efficient reuse, how standards and guidelines are applied, which technical investigations are necessary and which design and assessment choices contribute to a reliable result.
The full program can be viewed at www.nebest.nl/academy, where interested parties can register for the sessions free of charge. Not able to attend on a scheduled date, or missing a relevant topic? Then a customized session is also possible, both on location and at Nebest in Vianen.
