Vol 17 | Issue 1 | June 2018
| www.asa-inc.org.au
As the Australian Iron and Steel Industry grows, it is important to keep up to date on key advancements, research and events. Connections not only keeps industry stakeholders informed about important developments, but also acts as a time capsule for the progression of the industry. This edition features a contribution from Assoc. Prof Muhammad Hadi and Ahmed Al-Tikrite, from the University of Wollongong, on the influence of including waste steel fibre on the mechanical properties of reactive powder concrete. With the seven-year initiative entering its final year in 2019, we take a look back at projects by the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (CRC-LCL). Their work has focused on collaborative innovations, delivering outcomes to government and industry participants as well as the wider community. The ASA is proud to have worked in collaboration with the CRCLCL on a recent project aiming to perfect geopolymer concrete for use in coastal construction applications.
TH I S I SS U E
In global news, the EU has landed in the 21st spot in the Climate Change Performance Indicator (CCPI) rankings. This highlights the urgency for the Union to increase their ambition and improve policies around climate change. We have a look at what this means for the European Union.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Editorial Influence of Including Waste Steel Fibre on the Mechanical Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete NSA: Celebrating 100 Years The Final Days of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (CRC-LCL) UNSW - High Density Breakwater Armour Units EU Ranked Behind India and Brazil on Climate Action Equipment Manufacturers Stress Compliance with OSHAs Silica Dust Deadline Update: Albion Park Bypass Australian Steel Mill Services and Edw.C.Levy Co Centennial Celebrations Construction Material Industry Conference 2018 fib 2018 Congress Concrete 2019 International Stewardship Forum World of Concrete 2018 In Memory: Ed Haber Membership Survey Reminder + We need your content asap
Craig Heidrich attended a number of recent industry events on behalf of the ASA. The International Stewardship Forum was held in Sydney in April, providing great networking and educational opportunities. Across the globe, Craig attended World of Concrete held at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in January, which exceeded expectations as the largest World of Concrete in nine years. There are also a number of upcoming international industry events with the fib 2018 Congress to be held in October in Melbourne, the Construction Material Industry Conference (CMIC18) in September 2018 and Concrete 2019 both due to be held at the brand new International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney. We have also relocated to our new office at Unit 5, 41-47 Five Islands Road, Port Kembla NSW 2505. Our phone numbers and email addresses remain the same at 02 4258 0160 and info@asa-inc.org.au. Finally, The Australasian (iron & steel) Slag Association (ASA) would like to thank all members for your ongoing support and commitment. We wish you all the best and look forward to the next Connections publication later this year.
CONNECTIONS EDITORIAL TEAM | June 2018 Edition
CONTENTS
Editorial
18
Connections is published by the ASA The Australasian (Iron & Steel) Slag Association Wollongong NSW 2500 Phone: 02 4258 0160 Fax: 02 4258 0169 Email: info@asa-inc.org.au Web: www.asa-inc.org.au Executive Director: Craig Heidrich Editor: Emma Bruce Design: 101 Design Contributors: Ahmed Al-Tikrite, Muhammad N.S. Hadi, Aiden Chilcott, Emma Bruce, Carol Wilson, Craig Heidrich, Gavin Tory, John Hodgkinson Connections is a biannual publication with an online circulation of 1500 copies
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@asa_info
INFLUENCE OF INCLUDING WASTE STEEL FIBRE ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF REACTIVE POWDER CONCRETE Ahmed Al-Tikrite1, Muhammad N.S. Hadi2 The term Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) means a high volume of cement, highly refined amorphous silica fume, high range water reducer and retarder, extremely fine aggregate and considerably low water/binder ratio. The main advantages of RPC are its ultra-high strength, high durability and excellent toughness. The outstanding properties come from using highly refined silica fume, extreme low water/binder ratio and coarse aggregates exclusion in addition to the utilization of extreme fine quartz sand and inclusion of steel fibre. The inclusion of steel fibres is very important to improve the behaviour of RPC under dynamic loading by improving the RPC ductility. Steel fibre reduces crack initiation, spalling of concrete covers and increases the strength because RPC without steel fibre is extremely brittle. The addition of steel fibre enhances the mechanical properties of the concrete under compression, tension and bending loading. Moreover, reutilising waste materials in construction reduces the consumption of the natural resources leading to environmental and economic advantages. A RPC mixture is proposed by Al-Tikrite and Hadi (2017a) based on a mix proposed by Richard and Cheyrezy (1994) was used in this study. The amount of each constituent is given as follows: cement (955 kg/m3), silica fume (229 kg/m3), silica flour (10 kg/ m3), natural river sand (974 kg/m3), superplasticizer (52.6 L/ m3) and water/binder (0.133). Five groups of RPC containing 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% of waste steel fibres (WF) recovered from discarded tyres were prepared and labelled here as WF0, WF1, WF2, WF3 and WF4, respectively. The results showed that there are increases in the compressive strength, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity (Al-Tikrite and Hadi 2017b). Also, the inclusion of WF up to 3% positively influenced the post peak behaviour of RPC. The energy absorption, toughness index and the specific toughness of RPC was increased by 157%, 160% and 114%, respectively when 3% WF was included in the RPC.
Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) High volume cement, refined silica fume, high range water reducer and retarder, fine aggregate and low water/binder ratio. RPC Advantages: • Ultra High Strength • Significantly Tough • High Durability • Reutilises Waste Steel Fibre Addition: • Enhances mechanical properties under compression, tension and bending loading • Reduces crack initiation and cover spalling • Reduces consumption of natural resources
1. PhD Student, Structural Engineering, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia. 2. Assoc. Professor, School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Australia.
www.asa-inc.org.au
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NSA: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS This year marks the 100th anniversary of The National Slag Association (NSA). Since the first meeting in 1918, The NSA has promoted the use of Blast Furnace and Steel Furnace Slag, bringing together members to improve industry standards for safety, operations and the use of slag. The NSA are holding a centennial event on 4 – 7 September, 2018 at the Gaylord National Resort Centre in Oxon Hill, MD. The three-day celebration features meetings, presentations, an awards ceremony and networking events. Registrations are essential and open 1 July.
Gaylord National Resort, Oxon Hill, MD 4 - 7 September 2018 Registration Open - 1st July
Gavin Tory, Chair and Craig Heidrich, Executive Director of the Australasian (iron & steel) Slag Association have been invited to participate and present at the 100th anniversary meeting. Gavin and Craig will jointly present an update on activities of the ASA, including joint research activities with the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living, in particular focusing on Geoploymer Concrete trails conducted this year and early performance results using steel furnance slag aggregates. A full report will be provided in the October edition about the event and learning outcomes.
TUESDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER Check In & Reception WEDNESDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER Meetings & Presentations THURSDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER General Assembly, Board Meeting, Formal Dinner &
Awards Ceremony
FRIDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER Networking Questions? Contact our Annual Meeting Committee with Jperry@edwclevy.net or Pgage@TMSinternational.com.
www.asa-inc.org.au
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THE FINAL DAYS OF THE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH CENTRE FOR LOW CARBON LIVING (CRC-LCL) The Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (CRC-LCL) is a national research and innovation hub aiming to drive Australia’s built environment towards a low-carbon future. With over 100 research projects commissioned, CRC-LCL focus on collaborative innovation, delivering outcomes to government and industry participants as well as the wider community. The University of NSW is home to CLC-LCL’s node of excellence in high performance architecture. This UNSW-situated hub focuses on:
Establishing frontier research in High Performance Architecture
Adopting High Performance Materials
Promoting Innovative Design Concepts and Emerging Technologies
Developing Integrated Performance Assessment and Decision-Support
Creating Human-Centred Low-Carbon Built Environments
Applying Informatics and Science to Buildings and Cities
CRC-LCL are approaching the final days of the seven-year initiative. Here’s a look back at their programs.
PROGRAM 1. INTEGRATED BUILDING SYSTEMS Targeting next generation construction practices, this program aims to develop; • Building-integrated multipurpose solar products, • Low-carbon-lifecycle building construction components/materials, and • Integrated design, energy rating and reduction methodologies.
PROGRAM 2. LOW CARBON PRECINCTS With an expected 60 per cent growth in Australia’s population by 2050, infrastructure changes in the built environment will significantly influence the way energy is consumed and the resulting carbon signature. This program focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of urban systems, in particular, looking at integrating aspects of energy, water, waste, transport and buildings. CRCLCL has developed, applied and tested new knowledge and tools that allow the design of low carbon infrastructure at the precinct scale.
PROGRAM 3. ENGAGED COMMUNITIES This program focuses on understanding and influencing consumer behaviour and decision making to reduce the community’s carbon footprint. The results from this research will be used to develop community education and training resources.
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UNSW
HIGH DENSITY BREAKWATER ARMOUR UNITS
The Australasian (iron & steel) Slag Association (ASA), Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (CRC-LCL), Ports NSW, Wagners and Cleary Bros collaborated to design, manufacture and deliver a series of hanbar units aimed at perfecting geopolymer concrete (GPC) for use in coastal construction applications.
Project Overview
The manufacturer of Portland cement in Australia produces eight million tonnes of CO2 every year. Australia generates 14 million tonnes of fly ash and three million tonnes of slag annually. By substituting Portland cement with slag and fly ash to make Geoploymer Concrete (GPC), significant CO2 reduction and economic benefit can be achieved. The CRC-LCL worked with the maritime and concrete industries to perfect GPC for use in coastal constructions. The ASA worked alongside CRC-LCL to provide the specialist materials and a batch of 18-tonne Hanbar units made from high density GPC were placed in the northern breakwater at Port Kembla. These high-density breakwater armour units will be monitored for stability and integrity, providing a benchmark for the future use of GPC. Using steel furnace slag aggregates, these hanbar units achieved very high densities which are desirable attributes for coastal construction applications. Coupled with anticipated positive durability characteristics the project is viewed as having high value advantages over conventional concrete construction materials. This project provides both short and long-term value propositions for the industry, including:
Lower carbon footprint for the construction industry
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Contributes to the Circular Economy
More resilient coastal communities through better infrastructure
Simpler, efficient repair and adaptive measures for breakwaters
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EU RANKED BEHIND
INDIA & BRAZIL
ON CLIMATE ACTION As their first year in the Climate Change Performance Indicator (CCPI) rankings, the European Union has landed in the 21st spot, ranked behind India and Brazil. For the past 13 years, the CCPI has been tracking countries’ efforts to combat climate change. Given the difficulty in distinguishing countries’ strengths and weaknesses and their varying interests and strategies, this tool provides a clearer understanding of international climate policy. The 21st Conference of the Parties, held in December 2015 in Paris, made a revolutionary achievement in adopting the goal to limit global warming to “well below” 2°C and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. Countries are ranked according to how well they are on track to the global goals of the Paris Agreement. To do this, development and recent trends are compared in three categories; “GHG Emissions”, “Renewable Energy” and “Energy Use”, as well as the 2°C-compatibility of their current status and future targets in each category. The CCPI also continues to evaluate the countries’ climate policy efforts and future plans.
8%
EU ACCOUNTS FOR 8% OF GLOBAL GREENHOUSE GASES
OVERALL, EU RANKS MEDIUM IN THE 3 CCPI CATEGORIES
EU
Consisting of 28 nations with vast differences in individual performance, the EU accounts for about 8 percent of global GHG emissions. In the CCPI, they rate medium in all three categories; emissions, renewables and energy use. According to EU experts, the Union has played a constructive role in international climate diplomacy but have made slow progress in establishing new and innovative policies and targets. Disagreements over the future of the European project have led to weak agreements, the most symptomatic example being their failure to significantly improve the Emissions Trading System. Ideal opportunities to increase the EU’s ambition of climate action and CCPI ranking come from current discussions on new clean energy policies and ensuring that the EU budget supports these policies. To see the full report, click here.
www.asa-inc.org.au
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EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS STRESS COMPLIANCE WITH OSHAS SILICA DUST DEADLINE In a move to help silica dust-producing operations comply with impending rule changes in the United States of America, a pioneer of industrial dust control is reminding companies that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust emissions Final Rule compliance deadline is 23 June 2018. Whilst these regulations changes are relevant in the US, its important Australian business keep abreast of international developments in the area of heath and safety. Our thanks to the National Slag Association for sharing this update. BossTek (formerly Dust Control Technology) helps operators safeguard the health of individuals by emphasizing the use of field-proven atomized misting systems to minimize dust particles, forced downtime and potential fines.
Why the regulation? Due to the small size, RCS of PM10 (particulate matter ≤10 microns [μm]) can penetrate the body’s natural defenses, reaching deep into the lungs. Invisible to the naked eye and able to travel long distances on ambient air currents, workers are often unaware of the lingering RCS and take off protective masks, risking exposure and potentially contracting silicosis over time.
To control RCS dust levels, OSHA gives very general instructions regarding methods of compliance, advising companies to: Use engineering controls - Isolate dust in sealed chute systems and dust collectors, and/or using waterbased atomized suppression systems. Provide respirators – Compliance cannot be achieved by respirators alone, but should be used in areas where engineering controls cannot adequately limit exposure. Limit worker access to high exposure areas – Vary staff assignments throughout the day. Develop a written exposure control plan – Have it available along with monitoring results. Offer medical exams to highly exposed workers – Review the regulation for compliance details.
Compliance Using a personal dust monitor worn by a trained employee continually monitors the amount of RCS to ensure the exposure is under the average “action level” of 25 µg/m3 (micrograms of RCS per cubic meter of air). Compliance protects workers and avoids fines and lawsuits. Investing in long-lasting and field-proven equipment provides peace of mind and a reasonable ROI over the long term.
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Train workers on risks and limiting exposure – Workers should be able to identify to inspectors: the dust control supervisor and the compliance details when asked. For more information, contact info@bosstek.com, visit www. bosstek.com, or call (309) 693-8600.
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UPDATE: ALBION PARK BYPASS After receiving the green light from the NSW Government in January, the highly anticipated Albion Park Rail Bypass project is on track to start construction in early 2019. The 9.8km motorway between Yallah and Oak Flats will bypass the congestion of Albion Park Rail, minimising traffic and allowing for a much quicker journey. The bypass will provide a four-lane highway (two lanes in each direction) with a consistent 100km per hour speed limit, avoiding 16 intersections and saving up to 30 percent travel time. Kiama MP, Gareth Ward, says work has already begun with reconfiguration of the Croom Regional Sporting Complex and plans for a new cricket and AFL oval, grass netball courts, parking and landscaping.
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Ward says, “early work is required to allow the highway bypass to be built through areas used at the sporting complex while ensuring the community still has access to key sporting facilities.” Estimated to take three to four years to complete, the Albion Park Bypass will offer a breath of fresh air for residents and visitors alike. For more information, please visit the Roads and Maritime’s website at: www.rms.nsw.gov.au
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AUSTRALIAN STEEL MILL SERVICES &
EDW.C.LEVY CO CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS
In 1918, Ed Levy started a trucking company in Detroit, Michigan and several years later -- on a handshake with inventor Henry Ford – began providing slag handling services to the Ford Rouge Plant in Michigan. Soon after, Edw. C. Levy Co. began to crush slag for use as road base.
Levy’s Australian presence started in the early 1990s with Australian Metal Recovery (AMR), a de-tinning operation in Port Kembla. Not long after in 1994, Australian Steel Mill Services Pty Limited (ASMS), a joint venture between Levy and Cement Australia, was formed to take on Steel Mill Services for BHP Steel (now BlueScope Steel). Fast forward to 2018. Edw. C. Levy Co., a family-owned company, has grown to include steel mill service operations across the U.S. as well as in Australia, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, and Europe. In addition, Levy has natural aggregate quarries, ready-mix concrete, and asphalt interests, agricultural, logistics, and numerous other allied businesses around the world. And as Evan Weiner, President and CEO of the Edw. C. Levy Co. noted, “We’re 100 years old, so 2018 is a year to celebrate and thank the many people who have made this possible.”
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On May 25, Edw. C. Levy Co. was pleased to host a centennial celebration at West’s Illawarra to thank its employees, suppliers and long-time customer, BlueScope Steel, for contributing to the achievement of its centennial. More than 130 business partners, staff and partners from ASMS as well as Levy and Cement Australia executives, gathered to celebrate 100 years of successful operations. John Guydan, General Manager of ASMS and a long-time employee of Levy, commented “We are proud of our heritage and the ongoing commitment of the Levy company, our employees and partners to find innovative ways to serve our customers, add value to steel mill co-products and be a positive influence in our communities.” But the last word must go to Ed Levy, Jr., who was present for the event: “Levy looks forward with enthusiasm to continuing to innovate for the next 100 years.”
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2018 INDUSTRY CONFERENCE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL
B U I L D I N G TO M O R R O W ’ S AU ST R A L I A Once again, Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia and the Institute of Quarrying Australia have joined to host the biennial Construction Materials Industry Conference. CMIC18 will be held 19 – 21 September at the International Convention Centre, Sydney. The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Building Tomorrow’s Australia’, focusing on some of the key drivers that will allow the Construction Materials Industry to take on Australia’s Infrastructure Boom. This event aims to widen the scope of information exchange, educate the industry on trends and developments occurring within and outside of industry, while also providing concrete networking opportunities.
The two-day program features high-profile, dynamic thought leaders and topics including the construction materials market, innovation and looking into the future. The Business Leaders Lunch Forum and Premier Gala Dinner offer dynamic networking opportunities. CMIC18 offers an unparalleled opportunity for the Construction Materials Industry to wrestle with the challenges of the Infrastructure Boom.
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! VISIT CMIC.COM.AU www.asa-inc.org.au
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congress 2O18
BETTER
|
SMARTER
The fib 2018 Congress will be held from 7 – 11 October in Melbourne, Australia. Hosted by the Concrete Institute of Australia, the theme “Better – Smarter – Stronger” focuses on bringing together international leaders and practitioners in the concrete industry. The fib 2018 Congress provides an excellent platform for concrete technologists, engineers, scientists, specifiers, researchers, academics, practitioners and professionals to connect, share knowledge and learn about advances in the concrete world. The Congress will feature a four-day technical program with quality technical and keynote presentations as well as site tours to local projects and organisations. Other prominent events include a Welcome Cocktail function, the fib Awards Ceremony and the Congress Dinner. Early bird registrations close 6 July, so get in quick!
www.asa-inc.org.au
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STRONGER
Programme themes include: Design and Construction Concrete Deterioration Mechanisms Models and Design for Durability Structural Strengthening Concrete Materials Alkali-Activated Concretes and Geopolymer Concrete New Concrete Materials Seismic Ultra-High Performance Concrete History of Concrete
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CONCRETE2019 CONCRETE IN PRACTICE - PROGRESS THROUGH KNOWLEDGE The Concrete Institute of Australia’s 29th biennial national conference will be held from 8 – 11 September 2019 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney. Focusing on the theme ‘Concrete in Practice – Progress through Knowledge’, Concrete 2019 will bring together global leaders in the concrete industry to consider all aspects of concrete materials and structures such as research, design, construction, maintenance and repair. Participants from all around the world are offered the opportunity to network and share innovative and interesting ideas regarding advances in concrete materials, design and construction. The program will feature international keynote lectures, concurrent sessions, free paper sessions and posters.
International Convention Centre, Sydney Conference Dates 8.9.19 - 11.9.19 Early Bird Registration Open - 7.11.18 Abstracts Submissions Open: 1.6.18 Abstracts Submissions Close: 1.12.18 THEMES FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS INCLUDE:
Alkali-Activated Concretes
History of Concrete Standards, Specification and Education and Codes
Durability
www.asa-inc.org.au
What's New - Concrete for Design and Construction
...And More!
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Shotcrete
The International Stewardship Forum was held in Circular Quay, Sydney from 4 – 5 April. The two-day event consisted of presentations, panel discussions and a Q&A featuring key international speakers.
The forum was designed to maximise engagement with stakeholders and provide practical insights from product stewardship and extended producer responsibility programs across a broad range of products and substances. Key themes included: Overview of international landscape and practical implications for Australia
Best practice policies and programs
Engagement and facilitation
The business case for product stewardship (corporate perspective)
The future of product stewardship: Issues and opportunites (including circular economy)
The Global Product Stewardship Council, supported by the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, put on a fantastic forum which will help inform the Australian Government’s review of the Product Stewardship Act 2011.
www.asa-inc.org.au
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WORLD OF CONCRETE 2018 World of Concrete exceeded expectations with their largest show in nine years. Over 58,000 registered professionals, 1,500 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors gathered at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 23 – 26 January. The industry’s only international event featured indoor and outdoor exhibits with the industry’s leading suppliers showcasing innovative products, technologies and a world-class education program. The exciting demonstrations and competitions offered attendees hands-on opportunities to mix, polish, break and crack concrete. Craig Heidrich, CEO of the Australasian (Iron & Steel) Slag Association, attended WOC18 on behalf of the Association. He presented the Iron and Steel Slags: Global Perspective on the Circular Economy and reported on the changing paradigms of ISS as a globally traded commodity and the impacts on investment. WOC18 provided a platform to showcase the ASA activities down-under and connect with many leading industry associations, companies and specialists to further educate industry personnel and to increase our current database of contacts. The next World of Concrete 2019 will be held 22 – 25 January at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. If this year is anything to go by, WOC19 will be unmissable!
www.asa-inc.org.au
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IN MEMORY: ED HABER Ed Haber has been a consultant to the Concrete Industry for many years. He was a respected expert, guide, mentor, colleague, friend and family member. At the last meeting of the Australian Society of Concrete Pavements, John Hodgkinson gave a wonderful tribute to Ed. A copy of this presentation is available on our website.
www.asa-inc.org.au
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MEMBERSHIP SURVEY REMINDER The Australasian (iron & steel) Slag Association (ASA) publishes an annual survey for information regarding iron & steel slag production and sales by members and non-members for each calendar year. The Association publishes annual membership survey report, providing a brief overview and commentary on the statistics and figures returned by our survey participants in regards to their annual production and sales of iron & steel slags.
For those companies who have received the membership survey, this needs to be returned ASAP in order for the results to be aggregated and reported. If you are having any trouble completing the survey, please contact the office at 02 4258 0160 or by email at info@asa-inc.org.au
WE NEED YOUR CONTENT
Connections is produced twice a year for the benefit of ASA members and before each publication is drafted, an email is sent to all members urging them to contribute stories that they think are of interest. The types of content we are looking for include: • New developments or technologies • New projects • New employees We also have a Member Profile section, which is open to all member companies for contributions on behalf of the business in general, or a specific employee. So if you have an idea or even some content that you think might make an interesting article for our readers, get in contact with Editor, Bre McMahon today: publications@asa-inc.org.au
SUBSCRIBE TO www.asa-inc.org.au Views expressed in Connections newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Australasian Slag Association. All contributions are welcomed, though the publisher reserves the right to decline or edit for style grammar, length and legal reasons.
www.asa-inc.org.au
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