Go back

EUPAVE workshop highlights innovative concrete surface finishing techniques and decorative applications

29/05/2026

On Tuesday, 20 May 2026, EUPAVE held its 11th Workshop on Best Practices in Concrete Paving, organized as a hybrid event, at its offices in Brussels and online.

The workshop explored a broad range of concrete surface technologies and decorative applications used in modern concrete pavements.

Luc Rens, Technical Director of EUPAVE, moderated the event and introduced the workshop programme.

The first presentation was delivered by Pascal Buys, owner of Robuco, on “Exposed aggregate concrete surfaces for low-noise roadways”. He highlighted the benefits of exposed aggregate finishes in reducing traffic noise while maintaining durability and skid resistance.

This was followed by a presentation from Nathalie Balfroid of Febelcem on “Exposed aggregate concrete surfaces for decorative applications”. She presented examples of decorative concrete solutions and explained how exposed aggregate techniques can contribute to both aesthetics and functionality in urban environments.

Afterwards, Tim Alte-Teigeler of Otto Alte-Teigeler GmbH gave a presentation on “Concrete surface treatment techniques”, covering grinding, grooving, Next Generation Concrete Surfaces (NGCS), high-pressure water jetting, and horizontal grinding of exposed aggregate surfaces. He shared practical insights into the performance and application of these techniques in concrete pavements.

Following a short coffee break, Luc Rens presented “Concrete surface treatment techniques”, focusing on fine and micromilling, bush hammering, shotblasting, as well as honed and polished concrete surfaces. His presentation provided an overview of the latest practices and finishing technologies used to optimise surface characteristics and appearance.

The final presentation was delivered by Elia Boonen of the Belgian Road Research Centre on “Pattern imprinted concrete: new Belgian guidelines”. He introduced the recently developed Belgian recommendations and discussed their application in decorative and urban concrete projects.

The workshop concluded with a Q&A session and networking cocktail reception for in-person participants.

EUPAVE thanks all speakers for their valuable contributions and all participants for their interest and active engagement throughout the workshop.