The papers based on the theme of “excellence and innovative use of slag materials in construction applications” received were of a high standard as commented by the Technical Committee Chairman Wayne James during the presentation. Mr. James added that submissions were received from Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland with paper topics covering various aspects of slag material uses.

Mr. Matthew Thomas Biasutti and Mr. Trung Minh Luu, both graduates of

Mr. Biasutti has joined the firm of Forbes Rigby Pty Ltd an Engineering and Scientific Consulting Firm based in Wollongong.

The 2002 awards of $1000 each were made at the Associations Annual Meeting in March to Mr. Christopher Robert Wing and Mr. Steve Dalley, both Students of the University of Wollongong.

Wing’s paper was entitled “Early strength development of slag concretes.” In his research, he examined “concrete mixes containing slag blended cements, slag aggregates, and natural aggregates under different curing conditions.”

Dalley showed that “the type of slag as well as the % in the binder does affect both the plastic and hardened properties of the hardened concrete.” The ability to alter these properties increased the potential of blended cements as construction material. His paper was titled “The effect of slags at varying ratios in the binder on the plastic and hardened properties of the concrete.”

Both papers contribute to our knowledge of slag properties and performance enabling more confident use of the products. Increased use, contributes to lowering the environment footprint of industry and construction by use of renewable resources and lowering of greenhouse emissions.