David's paper was titled 'Environmental Impacts of Concrete Production and Placement'.
Judges believed the paper provided a timley address to the issue of carbon footprints for ready mixed concrete. The paper was well written and provided a sound understanding and insights into carbon savings where slag cements are used when compared to 100% portland cements.
Matthew Biasutti and Trung Minh Luu, University of Wollongong
Both Matthew and Trungs submission were of a high level. Both graduates were from the University of Wollongong, their paper’s titled 'The effect of limestone microfillers on the compressive strength of slag cement concrete' and 'Early strength development in concrete containing blast furnace slag products' respectively.
Judges believed both papers well topical, well written and provided a sound understanding and insights into slag cements.
Christopher Wing and Steve Dalley, University of Wollongong
Steve’s paper, titled 'The effect of slags at varying ratios in the binder on the plastic and hardened properties of the concrete' illustrated that the type of slag – as well as the percentage in the binder – does affect both the plastic and hardened properties of the hardened concrete and that the ability to alter these properties increased the potential of blended cements as construction materials.
Both papers were of an impressively high standard and were celebrated by the Association for their contribution to the industry’s knowledge of slag properties and performance - ultimately enabling a more confident use of these products.
