The Bolivian Cement and Concrete Institute, IBCH is a non-profit institution, devoted to research, technology transfer and promotion of cement and concrete applications. IBCH was founded on August 21, 1996 by the Bolivian cement industry, Their current members are: SOBOCE with plants in Viacha, La Paz; Warnes, Santa Cruz and El Puente, Tarija; FANCESA in Sucre and ITACAMBA in Santa Cruz.
Since its founding, IBCH has contributed significantly to the research and development of Portland cement concrete pavements in the country, as well as to an efficient technology transfer in the use of cement and concrete, especially in roads. Some important milestones had been: the development of the DIPAV Software; the development of a new method for design of concrete pavements based on the determination of stresses and the use of fatigue models, the research and development of ultra-thin fiber-reinforced overlays over asphalt; research on soil-cement bases; “unicapa” pavements and others mainly because they can provide more resilient conditions to the negative impacts of climate change and present increased durability compared to traditional solutions.
IBCH also works on sustainability topics of Portland cement concrete pavements; has also worked on reducing the carbon footprint of the cement industry and is the Sectoral Standardization Unit of IBNORCA (Bolivian Standards Institute), promoting and coordinating several Technical Standards for the Bolivian Cement Industry.
IBCH has also developed a Ottawa-Type Standard Sand, which complies with the ASTM C-778 Standard and it is a certified product by IBNORCA used by all Bolivian cement factories.
Our Technical Advisory service has national and international experience. Includes support in the design of rigid pavement projects, both in terms of thickness, as well as slab geometry and construction details; elaboration of construction specifications; and on-site training through site visits.
IBCH also offers professional courses and, if required, has international advice with well-known experts in concrete pavements, cement and concrete. With a coordinates effort with the Society of Engineers of Bolivia; the College of Civil Engineers; Chambers of Construction and through agreements with several Universities in Bolivia, IBCH contributes to the development of the technical capabilities and specialized knowledge of professionals in our country. In 2025, important companies related to the sector will be incorporated for a cooperative work in technical committees with the aim of develop special studies, technical standards, training and lecturing activities.
IBCH is also a Local Sponsoring Group of the American Concrete Institute of the United States and offers the ACI certifications: “Concrete Testing Technician Grade 1” and “Concrete Construction Special Inspector”; Our Library and Media Library, with up-to-date books and magazines on cement and concrete topics, is available to the community for consultation, research and development.
