Hyderabad, April 9 (RAHNUMA): The 13th International Conference on Concrete Block Pavement (ICCBP) commenced on Thursday at the Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, marking its first-ever edition in India. Hosted by the Pavers and Blocks Manufacturers Association, the two-day event brings together global experts to discuss cutting-edge innovations in concrete and segmental paving technologies.
The conference was inaugurated by K. Sreedhar Reddy, President of NAREDCO Telangana, who emphasized the role of advanced paving solutions in building sustainable infrastructure.
Since its inception in 1980, ICCBP has served as a premier international platform fostering innovation in block pavement design and construction. This year’s edition continues that legacy, attracting professionals from Germany, Austria, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, South Africa and Uruguay.
The 2026 conference focuses on long-term performance, sustainability and innovative applications in pavement engineering. Key themes include heavy-duty pavements, permeable solutions for urban drainage, railway infrastructure advancements, and high-performance pavers using polycarboxylate ether (PCE) technology.
Experts highlighted the growing importance of eco-friendly materials such as Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA), which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30% while maintaining structural strength. Innovations like high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) “cool roof” tiles and permeable interlocking systems are also gaining traction for their ability to improve thermal comfort and manage urban water runoff.
With growing demands on public transportation, railway platforms require paving materials that combine strength, slip resistance and durability. Precast flagstones produced via vacuum wet press technology have shown excellent bending strength, low water absorption, and long-lasting performance under heavy foot traffic. Long-term field studies in busy Indian stations confirm their suitability for such demanding environments.
With a strong emphasis on translating research into real-world applications, the conference underscores the role of collaboration between researchers, manufacturers and policymakers in shaping resilient urban infrastructure.
A trade exhibition featuring global and domestic suppliers is being held alongside the conference, showcasing the latest machinery, materials and technologies for modern paver production.
