Novotel Brighton Beach in Sydney was again thevenue for the Association’s Annual GeneralMeeting on April 17. Members heard reportsfrom Committee Chairpersons and AssociationChairperson Shani Smith.Technical Committee focusfor 2003 was in the development of a researchprogram and assisting with Technical presentations.Education Committee core focus has been thesuccessful contractors and engineers briefings, theUniversity lecture series, Connections andpreparations for upgrade of the website. TheOperations Committee has a hands on focus

particularly in the PortKembla region wheremember companies havesignificant operations andnumbers of employees.Members remote fromPort Kembla participatethrough email networks.The committee ran a

successful Health and safety workshop in May 2003and works at encouraging and facilitating bestpractice in materials handling and site operations.

Ms Smith thanked members for their activeparticipation during a very successful year. Focus for2003, based on the Venour Jones report has seenconcentration on Iron and steel making slags and areshaping of the membership base and feestructures.The Association’s efforts are targeted withan emphasis on education and advocacy. During thelast 4 months of 2003, some 22 tailoredpresentations were made to key consulting andengineering groups; with a significant call backresponse. Connections is another of the Associationíssuccess stories with the newsletter focus on roadconstruction and pavements complementary andsupportive of the presentations and lecture series.The Association’s website www.asa-inc.org.auanother key element in the education program,attracted over 4,000 hits per month. The onlinedatabase of reference material is a key attraction.

Peaks in hits on the site correlate well with each issueof Connections and the Education Lecture Series.Shani acknowledged the good work of ExecutiveDirector Craig Heidrich in supporting theAssociation through a year of significant change andimprovement.

Officers elected to guide the Association throughthe next year are Chair –Shani Smith (ASMS),ViceChairman International – Bill Bourke (SteelServNZ), Vice Chairman Australia – Andrew Wilson(EcoCem),Treasurer – Simon Hodsden (MetservAustralia), Secretary – Oscar Gregory (BluescopeSteel), Executive Committee Members – RobNewman (SCE Group), Ross Johnson (HunterMill Services), Michael Byrne (Steel Cement),Technical Committee Chair – Tom Wauer (SteelCement), Education and Promotion CommitteeChair – Mark Furlong (ASMS), OperationsCommittee Chair – Chris Stuckey (MetservAustralia). ■

Name

Position

Organisation

Mailing Address City P/Code

Telephone Facsimile

Email address

I received connections via a third party, please:

■■■■ Add me to your mailing list ■■■■ Send me only electronic copies via email ■■■■ Send me hard copies only

I WISH TO PURCHASE: ■■■■ ASA Video @ $15.00* x _____ Qty ■■■■ ASA CD @ $15.00* x _____ Qty

Business Category (please tick ✓ )

■■■■ Producer

■■■■ Processor

■■■■ Materials handler

■■■■ Refining/value adding

■■■■ Industry supplier

■■■■ Specifier/Engineer

■■■■ Government agency

■■■■ Other

Subscription Form: Connections

Focus is a key to success. During the last year,the Association underwent significant change. Basedon the earlier Venour / Jones Review, the Associationhas defined itself around slag products from theproduction of iron and steel.These products have along history of successful use in Australia andoverseas. Previous issues of Connections havedescribed the products and their uses in theConstruction industry.There is a new energy in theAssociation with stakeholders contributing towards asignificantly enlarged communications and educationprogram. In the last 4 months of 2003, some 22tailored slag product presentations were given toengineers and consultants at their place of business.

This program has attracted significant interest withrequests for additional presentations.

The versatility of slag products and theircontribution to resource conservation, infrastructuredevelopment and environmental improvement arefeatured in the Insider section of this issue. In NewZealand, melter slag is used as a water final waterpolishing medium for the wastewater treatmentplant in the local township of Waiuku. Port KemblaPort has used more than 2 million tonne of ironand steel making slags over several decadesincluding construction of the Coal Loader,construction and eventual reclamation of theCasting Basin where the Sydney Harbour Tunnel

immersed tub sections and later Bass Strait Off shoreoil and gas platforms were constructed.

Environmental performance is extending to manyareas of life. Energy ratings on electrical equipment areso familiar that they guide us in our choices. Nowhouses, offices and commercial buildings are green starrated with slag cements making a real contribution.Sustainable construction is a key focus in Victoria for2004. In USA blast furnace slag can qualify as asustainable material.

Read on to discover the opportunities that slagproducts offer in making a positive environmentalcontribution and supporting sustainabledevelopment. ■

EXPR

ESS

FAX

:422

8 17

77

*Plus postage and handling • Inclusive of GST.

THIS QUARTER:Editorial comment 1 Association AGM sets thescene for the year ahead 1 Slag contributes togreen star rating2 Strong demands for technicalpresentations 2 Regeneration of slag filter bed 2NZ Melter Slag 3 Slag helps Port Kembla Port 4Members Listings 5 News Briefs 6

A U S T R A L A S I A N S L A G ( I R O N & S T E E L ) A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S L E T T E R

T H E A U S T R A L A S I A N S L A G A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S L E T T E R

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Editorial comment

VOL 3 | ISSUE 1 | APRIL 2004

Slag – “the ultimaterenewable mineral resource” The video has proved to be very useful tomany members. New additional footagehas been incorporated demonstrating thebeneficial properties of slag in variouslarge-scale projectscompleted in recentyears.The video(15mins duration)outlines slag’s historicalbeginnings through tothe various types ofslag produced in amodern productionprocess today.

Copies are available to members at acost of $15.00 each, non-members $20.00plus postage and handling. Just completeand fax back the subscription/order formindicating your requirements.

Technical Resources on CDASA produces a number of high qualitytechnical guides (i.e. the new – “A Guideto the use of Iron and Steel Slag inRoads” and the “Guide to the Use ofSteel Furnace Slagin Asphalt and ThinBituminousSurfacings”)bulletins,newsletters andgeneral industryinformation on current issues.TheEducation and Promotion Committee hasdeveloped a Technical Compendium onCD; an invaluable readily accessiblereference tool for engineers, specifiers,consultants, government authorities, andslag users. A limited number of hard copiesare also available.

Copies are available to members at acost of $15.00 each, non members $20.00— plus postage and handling. UpdatedCD’s will be available for registered usersas new material is added. Stay up to date!Complete and fax back thesubscription/order form today.

www.asa–inc.org.au

Q U A R T E R L Y

2004 connectionsconnectionsA S S O C I A T I O N

Association AGM sets the scene for the year ahead

Metserv – Dr. Chris Stuckey moved toAustralia from the United Kingdom in July 2003 toassist with Special Projects in Australasian region. Hebegan his career with British Steel in South Walesinvestigating cold mill defects. Following completion ofa doctorate, he moved to technical management inthe Cold Rolling and Galvanising Plant in British Steel’sLlanwern Plant. Chris then moved to HeckettMultiserv’s (MetServ’s Parent Company) DivisionOffice in London providing business developmentand project management support on a global basis. In2002 he took responsibility for the briquettingoperations at Corus’s Scunthorpe Works.

National Slag Association (USA) has recentlybecome a member of ECCO – the EnvironmentalCouncil of Concrete Organizations. It will work withECCO to “promote slag products used in concreteboth as aggregate and as GGBS (ground granulatedblast furnace slag). ECCO works in conjunction withthe Green Building Council, which operates a greenbuilding rating program.[Source: NSA Slag Runner No. 1-04 February 2004]

Dr. Ihor Hinczak – Left Australian Steel MillServices in December 2003 after a 3 year term. Ihoris the former Chair of the Technical Committee ofthe Association. He has been involved in thedevelopment andmarketing of GroundGranulated Blast FurnaceSlag in the AustralianMarket over many yearsand has worked for Monier,Blue Circle SouthernCement and James Hardie.Dr Hinczak has served on Standards AustraliaCommittees for Cement and Supplementarycementitious Materials (Ground granulated Blastfurnace slag, Fly Ash and Amorphous silica). He isnow consulting generally to industry as CementechPty Limited.

A key focus of the Association is ensuringthat Universities and their Engineering andArchitecture students and lecturers have anappreciation of slag products. Tailoredpresentations are also available aponrequest for representatives fromEngineering and Construction organizationsGovernment Departments and Councils.During the quarter presentations weremade to:November / December 2003• Geopave / Graham Foley• Mildura City Council• Australian Road Research Board• AS James• Chadwicks• MineHarts

February 2004• GHD• Maunsells

Upcoming• University of Wollongong• University of NSW• Monash University• Australian Defence Forces Academy• Queensland University• Melbourne University• University of Western Sydney• University of Newcastle• Australian National University

NEWS BRIEFS

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Connections EditorialConnections is published by ASAThe Australasian Slag AssociationWollongong NSW 2500 AustraliaPh: 02 4225 8466 • Fax: 02 4228 1777Email: info@asa-inc.org.auWeb: www.asa-inc.org.au

Publisher ASA inc.Executive Director Craig HeidrichEditorial David E. JonesArt Director Martin CostanzoDesign/Print Creativjuice Advertising

www.creativjuiceadvertsing.com

Contributors:ASMS, Bill Bourke – SteelServ NZ, David E. Jones,Craig Heidrich, Port Kembla Port Corporation,Steel Cement.

Quarterly Publication Circulation: 2,000Views expressed in Connections newsletter do notnecessarily reflect the opinion of the Australasian SlagAssociation. All contributions are welcomed, though thepublisher reserves the right to decline, to publish or edit forstyle, grammar, length and legal reasons. ©2004

Executive Committee (Lto R) Andrew Wilson, Mike Byrne, Oscar Gregory,Shani Smith (ASA Chairperson), Simon Hodsden, Ross Johnson and Rob Newman.

ASA Chairperson Shani Smith

PRESENTATIONS

ASANewsApril 2004 22/4/04 6:07 PM Page 1

Recognition of the finiteness of the world’sphysical resources and impacts that leadpotentially lead to global warming hasGovernments and now Industry more focusedon environmental performance andsustainability. The Green Building Council ofAustralia has established a ’Green Star’ rating tohelp the construction industry to producebuildings that achieve the lowest overall energyuse throughout its life. The rating system takesinto account all phases of a building’sconstruction from the initial design phase,through to the ongoing energy needs of thebuilding through its lifetime.

It has built on the British BREEM (BuildingResearch Establishment EnvironmentalAssessment Method) system and the NorthAmerican LEED (Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design) system, adapting these

to suit Australia’s marketplace andenvironmental context. The Australian ratingsystem also called on the intellectual propertyof VicUrban in its work with the MelbourneDocklands ESD Guide.

Factors considered are building design input,management, indoor environment, energy use,transport, water, emissions, materials, land useand ecology, emissions and innovation.Summation of the achievements in each sub

section contributes to a green star rating.Ground granulated Blast furnace Slag isrecognised for its environmental contribution inthe materials section – concrete materials.

Up to 2 credits for awarded for use ofsupplementary cementitious materials in 75%of all concrete by volume as follows:1 credit = 30% of cement is replaced with

industrial waste product 2 credits = 60% of cement is replaced with

industrial waste product(for precast concrete the % of cement replacement is

reduced to 20% for 1 credit and 40% for 2 credits).

[Source: Contact – Green Building council ofAustralia www.gbcaus.org]

Contact Name Position

Organisation

Business Category

Postal Address P/Code

Street Address (if different)

Telephone Mobile Phone

Facsimile Email

Expected number of people Preferred times/dates

Potential disciplines attending

Australasian Slag Association:Technical SeminarsPHOTOCOPY AND EXPRESS FAX: 4228 1777I am interested in: (please tick ✓ )

■■■■ Receiving a presentation on ■■■■ Receiving more information about

Presentation topic areas: (please tick ✓ )

■■■■ Slag in Concrete Construction and Pavement Technologies

■■■■ Slag in concrete construction applications – case studies

■■■■ Environmental benefits derived from increased utilisation

■■■■ Slag in road pavement, base and sub base construction

■■■■ Other (please specify) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company MembersA primary role of our Association is to

bring together Slag Producers, Processors,

Customers and Suppliers to the Slag

industry. Our activities cover Technical

Developments, Plant Operations and

Processes, Education and Promotion. If

you would like more information on the

Association and how you can become

involved, just complete the information

section at the end of this newsletter.

Current membership is as listed below.

Australian Steel Mill Services Pty Ltd

BlueScope Steel Ltd (Port Kembla)

Blue Circle Southern Cement Ltd

Brambles Equipment Ltd

Brambles Industrial Services Ltd

(Whyalla)

Concrite Pty Ltd

CSIRO CMIT

Gough & Gilmour Pty Ltd

Heckett Multiserv (UK)

Hunter Mill Services Pty Ltd

Komatsu Australia Ltd

Mahaffey Associates Pty Ltd

Metserv Australasia Pty Ltd

Milburn New Zealand Ltd

OneSteel Limited (Whyalla)

University of Newcastle – Mr Stephen

Fityus

University of Wollongong – Dr Denis

Montgomery

Premium Tyre Service Pty Ltd

Readymix Holdings Pty Ltd

Roads & Traffic Authority of NSW

Slag Cement Sdn Bhd, Malaysia

Smorgon Steel Ltd (Melbourne)

Smorgon Steel Ltd (Newcastle)

Steel Cement Ltd

SteelServ Ltd (NZ)

Steelstone Services (Aust) Pty Ltd

Sunstate Cement Ltd

Wormald Fire Systems Ltd

Personal MembersAnderson, L

Dobson, G

Gregory, G

Hanley, P (Hon.)

James,W (Hon.)

Jones, D E (Hon.)

Heaton, B (Hon.)

Maric, M

Prosser, S D (Hon.)

Venour, M (Hon.)

Related AssociationsNational Slag Association (US)

Nippon Slag Association (Japan)

European Slag Association (EU)

2 | CONNECTIONS APR 2004 CONNECTIONS APR 2004 | 5www.asa–inc.org.au www.asa–inc.org.au

Slag contributes to ‘green star’ rating

Sustainable construction is a key driver inVictoria’s environmental program during 2004. Itis a requirement that new homes built from July2004 in Victoria achieve a five star rating. Similarto the green star rating factors taken intoaccount include energy, water, storm water,building materials, transport energy and anoptional category ESD excellence. The selfassessment tool is accessible at:www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/attachments/o4964.pdf orwww.portphillip.vic.gov.au/attachments/o4964.pdf sustainability scorecard.

Victoria’s focus on “sustainable construction2004 will be a time for us all to consider “whatis our built environment”, to debate its worth,applaud excellence and question the ordinary. Itis an opportunity to stop and think about howthe built environment affects our quality of lifeand how we can contribute to a more positiveand sustainable future.î Victoria has chosen to

adopt ‘Towards Sustainable Communities’ as itsprimary theme. It encapsulates the current focusof Government, industry and community.Victoria is the leading state in Australia in energyefficiency for new homes and boasts a range ofactivities to ensure sustainable communities intothe future”.

“Victorians are proud of their built environmentand its valuable contribution to shaping ourpast, present and future. The VictorianGovernment embraces the Year of the BuiltEnvironment as a time of celebration.”

Steve Bracks, Premier of Victoria

Independent cement and Lime Victoria has longrecognised the contribution that slag productsmake to reduce the environmental footprint ofconstruction, through greenhouse reduction andnatural resource conservation. In addition to theirwork in Victoria, they are partnering withResource NSW to have the environmentalcontribution of slag products recognised.

National Slag Association in USA is pursuingsimilar objectives by joining the EnvironmentalCouncil of Concrete Organisations. In USA BlastFurnace slag “can qualify as a sustainable materialwhen used in the manufacture of concreteproducts such as readymixed, precast andmasonry products.” ■

[source: NSA Slag Runner February 2004]

Victoria aims for five star homes

The iron and steel making processes at BlueScopeSteel’s New Zealand Steel site are unique in theworld, because of the source material(titanomagnetite ironsand) and the processesrequired to turn it into iron and steel. The resultingchemistries of the iron and steel making slags are, inturn, different from the industry norm with unusualelements such as TiO2 being present.

Field trials in a dairy farm wetland and in acommercial growing bed for water cressconfirmed earlier laboratory findings, whicheventually led to melter slag aggregate being usedas a final water polishing medium for thewastewater treatment plant in the local townshipof Waiuku. Up to 80% of the phosphorous wasremoved by this system, although the performancestarted to drop off after about five years.

One possible solution to the graduallydiminishing performance of slag based filter beds,is to rejuvenate the material by drying it out. Thiswas discovered by Dr Aleksandra Drizo and othersworking at the University of Montreal. The Canadianwork indicated that with Electric Arc Furnace slagsunder test in the laboratory, rejuvenation levels of upto 75% were achievable. Following publication ofthese results, Massey University in Palmerston

North, New Zealand, decided to further investigatethis potential attribute.

Samples were taken from the Waiuku filterbeds, along with fresh melter slag supplied bySteelServ Ltd and subjected to laboratory trial andmicroscopic examination. Rejuvenation of thesamples was achieved at varying levels andconsiderably lower than the Drizo studies. TheUniversity believes that the lower results may reflectthe different nature of the input fluids ñ treatedsewerage water verses laboratory mixes. However,they are sufficiently encouraged to further pursuethis attribute, as well as to examine why thesematerials work in the way they do. The Universityhas obtained a grant to engage a PhD Graduate toundertake this study over the next two years. Apaper discussing the work to date will bepublished later this year.

Dr Drizo herself will arrive in New Zealand inNovember this year on an OECD scholarship tostudy clean up of dairy farm waste water, as wellas to contribute to the Massey studies.

The next few months should see someinteresting results beginning to emerge. ■

[Source: Bill Bourke, SteelServ Ltd - New Zealand]

Regeneration of slag filterbed material adds value

“The Australasian industry is part of a widerinternational fraternity of slag productmanufacturers, marketers and users.”

Rating SystemGreen star is a national voluntary ratingsystem that evaluates the environmentalperformance of buildings. the first pilotrating tool under this system is for thedesign phase of new construction or basebuilding refurbishment of office buildings.

EcoHouse

STRONG DEMANDFOR TECHNICALPRESENTATIONS

>>

In last issue of Connections we reported on theAssociation’s new tailored presentations. Theseshow how your durability, resource and energyconservation needs can be met using iron andsteel slag products. This is an important factor inthe days of energy / environment rated buildingsand construction.

Presentation topic areas include:• Slag in concrete construction and pavement

technologies

• Slag in concrete construction applications –case studies

• Environmental benefits derived fromincreased utilisation

• Slag in road pavement, base and sub baseconstructionGiven the strong demand for the seminars and

our commitment to ensure the benefits of usingiron and steel making slags in construction are wellknown we have provided another opportunity tobook a presentation for your organisation of anappropriate selection(s) of this material at a timeof mutual convenience at your offices.

BOOK YOUR PRESENTATION NOW! >

ASANewsApril 2004 22/4/04 6:07 PM Page 2

CONNECTIONS APR 2004 | 3www.asa–inc.org.au

New ZealandMelter Slag helpsthe environmentWastewater Treatment Utilising NZ Steel Mill Slag Aggregates

SLAG INSIDER

I n the early 1990’s, New Zealand Steel’sEnvironmental Engineering Departmentcarried out a series of extensive leaching

trials over a two year period, to check that theiron making or “melter” slag was safe to use as aroading and drainage material. During these trialsit was noticed that the slag had the ability toremove phosphorous and some heavy metalsfrom water passing through the test rig.

Subsequent field trials in a dairy farm wetlandand in a commercial growing bed for water cressconfirmed the laboratory findings, whicheventually led to melter slag aggregate beingused as a final water polishing medium for thewaste water treatment plant in the localtownship of Waiuku. Up to 80% of thephosphorous was removed by this system. Twofurther filter beds in other provincial centershave been installed more recently.At the time ofwriting, the Waiuku beds are still removingsuspended solids and algae and have shown noevidence of clogging after ten years.

Meanwhile SteelServ Ltd are pursuing other

waste water clean upinitiatives, particularlywith regard to removingheavy metals fromindustrial site run-off aswell as from roadwaysand car parks. NewZealand Steel iscurrently constructing amelter slag wetland totreat storm water fromits site, the objectivebeing to reduce the zincand suspended solidscontent prior todischarge.

In the last few months several companies andresearch laboratories are examining, or havealready specified melter slag as a wastewaterclean up medium in small scale operations.Theseprojects will be closely monitored, to furtherbuild the knowledge base on the performance ofthis unique material, with a view to

communicating theresults to ConsultingEngineers, RegionalCouncils, EnvironmentalContractors and otherinterested parties.

Further field trialsare about to commenceexamining the use of

melter slag for the clean up of dairy farm run-off,as well as phosphorous contaminated creekwaters discharging into fresh water lakes.

SteelServ Ltd believes that the potential forslag to assist in waste water clean-up is onlybeginning to be realised, as the price of naturalZeolites and other materials continues to rise,even though the ability of these co-products ofthe steel industry to carry out these functionshas long been recognised internationally. ■

[Source:By Bill Bourke, SteelServ Ltd – New Zealand]

“New Zealand Steel wetland to reduce heavy metals in storm water under construction”.

“Field trials in a dairy farm wetland and in acommercial growing bed for water cressconfirmed the laboratory findings, whicheventually led to Melter slag aggregate beingused as a final water polishing medium forthe waste water treatment plant in the localtownship of Waiuku. Up to 80% of thephosphorous was removed by this system.”

ASANewsApril 2004 22/4/04 6:07 PM Page 3

The Port of Port Kembla has been underregular update and modification sinceconstruction of the first breakwater

began around 1900. It is a major port for theexport of grain, coal and steel products andimport of iron ore.There are may other bulk andbreak bulk cargoes that enter or leave the porteach year. At times the port has been host to theconstruction and floating out of the immersedtube sections of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel andoff shore oil and gas platforms. During theOlympics, it was a point of disembarcation forimported motor vehicles destined for theWestern Sydney region.

Iron and steel making slags have played animportant role in constructing facilities at the portincluding the Coal Loader, Casting Basin and theultimate filling of the casting basin to createportside land for offloading of containers, motorvehicles and other cargoes. These constructionshave consumed some millions of tones of iron andsteel making slag products and contributedsignificantly to development of port facilities. ThePort Corporation is winner of the 2001 Public

sector Excellence Awards for its Inner HarbourDevelopment and Growth Project.

The NSW Government is currentlyundertaking a multi port strategy, which will seethe further development of Port Kembla and thetransfer of Port Jackson container and generaltrades to the port. Cargo operations at WhiteBay ceased at Christmas 2003 and the DarlingHarbour leases will expire in February 2006. Atthat time, this trade will be relocated to PortKembla. A $16 Million project in Port Kembla toextend the Inner Harbour multipurpose berth by130 metres will allow two large ships up to80,000 deadweight tonnes to use the berthsimultaneously. This extension will also help theadditional trade transferring from Sydney

Construction is in the form of a reinforcedconcrete deck on steel piles anchored directlyinto the bedrock. The design is innovativeallowing for construction without raking piles byincluding a strengthened Western end wall andanchoring the deck on the Eastern end directlyinto the existing multi purpose wharf. The deckwill have reinforced sections along its length to

accommodate crane rails. Around 100,000 cubicmetres of blast furnace slag will be used asbackfill to the wharf deck, covered by a layer orlarger rock material at the water fill interface.Blast furnace slag has also been specified for theheavy duty pavement on top of the backfill. ■

[Source: Port Kembla Port Corporation –

www.kemblaport.com.au and NSW

Government multi port strategy –

www.transport.nsw.gov.au/ports/index.html]

4 | CONNECTIONS APR 2004 www.asa–inc.org.au

Port Kembla Inner Harbour Multi Purpose Berth extension– image supplied by Port Kembla Port Corporation

Photo Courtesy of Tourism Wollongong ©2004

Slag helps the developmentof Port Kembla Port

“Iron and steel making slags have playedan important role in constructing facilitiesat the port including the Coal Loader,Casting Basin and the ultimate filling ofthe casting basin to create portside land.”

ASANewsApril 2004 22/4/04 6:07 PM Page 4

Recognition of the finiteness of the world’sphysical resources and impacts that leadpotentially lead to global warming hasGovernments and now Industry more focusedon environmental performance andsustainability. The Green Building Council ofAustralia has established a ’Green Star’ rating tohelp the construction industry to producebuildings that achieve the lowest overall energyuse throughout its life. The rating system takesinto account all phases of a building’sconstruction from the initial design phase,through to the ongoing energy needs of thebuilding through its lifetime.

It has built on the British BREEM (BuildingResearch Establishment EnvironmentalAssessment Method) system and the NorthAmerican LEED (Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design) system, adapting these

to suit Australia’s marketplace andenvironmental context. The Australian ratingsystem also called on the intellectual propertyof VicUrban in its work with the MelbourneDocklands ESD Guide.

Factors considered are building design input,management, indoor environment, energy use,transport, water, emissions, materials, land useand ecology, emissions and innovation.Summation of the achievements in each sub

section contributes to a green star rating.Ground granulated Blast furnace Slag isrecognised for its environmental contribution inthe materials section – concrete materials.

Up to 2 credits for awarded for use ofsupplementary cementitious materials in 75%of all concrete by volume as follows:1 credit = 30% of cement is replaced with

industrial waste product 2 credits = 60% of cement is replaced with

industrial waste product(for precast concrete the % of cement replacement is

reduced to 20% for 1 credit and 40% for 2 credits).

[Source: Contact – Green Building council ofAustralia www.gbcaus.org]

Contact Name Position

Organisation

Business Category

Postal Address P/Code

Street Address (if different)

Telephone Mobile Phone

Facsimile Email

Expected number of people Preferred times/dates

Potential disciplines attending

Australasian Slag Association:Technical SeminarsPHOTOCOPY AND EXPRESS FAX: 4228 1777I am interested in: (please tick ✓ )

■■■■ Receiving a presentation on ■■■■ Receiving more information about

Presentation topic areas: (please tick ✓ )

■■■■ Slag in Concrete Construction and Pavement Technologies

■■■■ Slag in concrete construction applications – case studies

■■■■ Environmental benefits derived from increased utilisation

■■■■ Slag in road pavement, base and sub base construction

■■■■ Other (please specify) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Company MembersA primary role of our Association is to

bring together Slag Producers, Processors,

Customers and Suppliers to the Slag

industry. Our activities cover Technical

Developments, Plant Operations and

Processes, Education and Promotion. If

you would like more information on the

Association and how you can become

involved, just complete the information

section at the end of this newsletter.

Current membership is as listed below.

Australian Steel Mill Services Pty Ltd

BlueScope Steel Ltd (Port Kembla)

Blue Circle Southern Cement Ltd

Brambles Equipment Ltd

Brambles Industrial Services Ltd

(Whyalla)

Concrite Pty Ltd

CSIRO CMIT

Gough & Gilmour Pty Ltd

Heckett Multiserv (UK)

Hunter Mill Services Pty Ltd

Komatsu Australia Ltd

Mahaffey Associates Pty Ltd

Metserv Australasia Pty Ltd

Milburn New Zealand Ltd

OneSteel Limited (Whyalla)

University of Newcastle – Mr Stephen

Fityus

University of Wollongong – Dr Denis

Montgomery

Premium Tyre Service Pty Ltd

Readymix Holdings Pty Ltd

Roads & Traffic Authority of NSW

Slag Cement Sdn Bhd, Malaysia

Smorgon Steel Ltd (Melbourne)

Smorgon Steel Ltd (Newcastle)

Steel Cement Ltd

SteelServ Ltd (NZ)

Steelstone Services (Aust) Pty Ltd

Sunstate Cement Ltd

Wormald Fire Systems Ltd

Personal MembersAnderson, L

Dobson, G

Gregory, G

Hanley, P (Hon.)

James,W (Hon.)

Jones, D E (Hon.)

Heaton, B (Hon.)

Maric, M

Prosser, S D (Hon.)

Venour, M (Hon.)

Related AssociationsNational Slag Association (US)

Nippon Slag Association (Japan)

European Slag Association (EU)

2 | CONNECTIONS APR 2004 CONNECTIONS APR 2004 | 5www.asa–inc.org.au www.asa–inc.org.au

Slag contributes to ‘green star’ rating

Sustainable construction is a key driver inVictoria’s environmental program during 2004. Itis a requirement that new homes built from July2004 in Victoria achieve a five star rating. Similarto the green star rating factors taken intoaccount include energy, water, storm water,building materials, transport energy and anoptional category ESD excellence. The selfassessment tool is accessible at:www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/attachments/o4964.pdf orwww.portphillip.vic.gov.au/attachments/o4964.pdf sustainability scorecard.

Victoria’s focus on “sustainable construction2004 will be a time for us all to consider “whatis our built environment”, to debate its worth,applaud excellence and question the ordinary. Itis an opportunity to stop and think about howthe built environment affects our quality of lifeand how we can contribute to a more positiveand sustainable future.î Victoria has chosen to

adopt ‘Towards Sustainable Communities’ as itsprimary theme. It encapsulates the current focusof Government, industry and community.Victoria is the leading state in Australia in energyefficiency for new homes and boasts a range ofactivities to ensure sustainable communities intothe future”.

“Victorians are proud of their built environmentand its valuable contribution to shaping ourpast, present and future. The VictorianGovernment embraces the Year of the BuiltEnvironment as a time of celebration.”

Steve Bracks, Premier of Victoria

Independent cement and Lime Victoria has longrecognised the contribution that slag productsmake to reduce the environmental footprint ofconstruction, through greenhouse reduction andnatural resource conservation. In addition to theirwork in Victoria, they are partnering withResource NSW to have the environmentalcontribution of slag products recognised.

National Slag Association in USA is pursuingsimilar objectives by joining the EnvironmentalCouncil of Concrete Organisations. In USA BlastFurnace slag “can qualify as a sustainable materialwhen used in the manufacture of concreteproducts such as readymixed, precast andmasonry products.” ■

[source: NSA Slag Runner February 2004]

Victoria aims for five star homes

The iron and steel making processes at BlueScopeSteel’s New Zealand Steel site are unique in theworld, because of the source material(titanomagnetite ironsand) and the processesrequired to turn it into iron and steel. The resultingchemistries of the iron and steel making slags are, inturn, different from the industry norm with unusualelements such as TiO2 being present.

Field trials in a dairy farm wetland and in acommercial growing bed for water cressconfirmed earlier laboratory findings, whicheventually led to melter slag aggregate being usedas a final water polishing medium for thewastewater treatment plant in the local townshipof Waiuku. Up to 80% of the phosphorous wasremoved by this system, although the performancestarted to drop off after about five years.

One possible solution to the graduallydiminishing performance of slag based filter beds,is to rejuvenate the material by drying it out. Thiswas discovered by Dr Aleksandra Drizo and othersworking at the University of Montreal. The Canadianwork indicated that with Electric Arc Furnace slagsunder test in the laboratory, rejuvenation levels of upto 75% were achievable. Following publication ofthese results, Massey University in Palmerston

North, New Zealand, decided to further investigatethis potential attribute.

Samples were taken from the Waiuku filterbeds, along with fresh melter slag supplied bySteelServ Ltd and subjected to laboratory trial andmicroscopic examination. Rejuvenation of thesamples was achieved at varying levels andconsiderably lower than the Drizo studies. TheUniversity believes that the lower results may reflectthe different nature of the input fluids ñ treatedsewerage water verses laboratory mixes. However,they are sufficiently encouraged to further pursuethis attribute, as well as to examine why thesematerials work in the way they do. The Universityhas obtained a grant to engage a PhD Graduate toundertake this study over the next two years. Apaper discussing the work to date will bepublished later this year.

Dr Drizo herself will arrive in New Zealand inNovember this year on an OECD scholarship tostudy clean up of dairy farm waste water, as wellas to contribute to the Massey studies.

The next few months should see someinteresting results beginning to emerge. ■

[Source: Bill Bourke, SteelServ Ltd - New Zealand]

Regeneration of slag filterbed material adds value

“The Australasian industry is part of a widerinternational fraternity of slag productmanufacturers, marketers and users.”

Rating SystemGreen star is a national voluntary ratingsystem that evaluates the environmentalperformance of buildings. the first pilotrating tool under this system is for thedesign phase of new construction or basebuilding refurbishment of office buildings.

EcoHouse

STRONG DEMANDFOR TECHNICALPRESENTATIONS

>>

In last issue of Connections we reported on theAssociation’s new tailored presentations. Theseshow how your durability, resource and energyconservation needs can be met using iron andsteel slag products. This is an important factor inthe days of energy / environment rated buildingsand construction.

Presentation topic areas include:• Slag in concrete construction and pavement

technologies

• Slag in concrete construction applications –case studies

• Environmental benefits derived fromincreased utilisation

• Slag in road pavement, base and sub baseconstructionGiven the strong demand for the seminars and

our commitment to ensure the benefits of usingiron and steel making slags in construction are wellknown we have provided another opportunity tobook a presentation for your organisation of anappropriate selection(s) of this material at a timeof mutual convenience at your offices.

BOOK YOUR PRESENTATION NOW! >

ASANewsApril 2004 22/4/04 6:07 PM Page 2

Novotel Brighton Beach in Sydney was again thevenue for the Association’s Annual GeneralMeeting on April 17. Members heard reportsfrom Committee Chairpersons and AssociationChairperson Shani Smith.Technical Committee focusfor 2003 was in the development of a researchprogram and assisting with Technical presentations.Education Committee core focus has been thesuccessful contractors and engineers briefings, theUniversity lecture series, Connections andpreparations for upgrade of the website. TheOperations Committee has a hands on focus

particularly in the PortKembla region wheremember companies havesignificant operations andnumbers of employees.Members remote fromPort Kembla participatethrough email networks.The committee ran a

successful Health and safety workshop in May 2003and works at encouraging and facilitating bestpractice in materials handling and site operations.

Ms Smith thanked members for their activeparticipation during a very successful year. Focus for2003, based on the Venour Jones report has seenconcentration on Iron and steel making slags and areshaping of the membership base and feestructures.The Association’s efforts are targeted withan emphasis on education and advocacy. During thelast 4 months of 2003, some 22 tailoredpresentations were made to key consulting andengineering groups; with a significant call backresponse. Connections is another of the Associationíssuccess stories with the newsletter focus on roadconstruction and pavements complementary andsupportive of the presentations and lecture series.The Association’s website www.asa-inc.org.auanother key element in the education program,attracted over 4,000 hits per month. The onlinedatabase of reference material is a key attraction.

Peaks in hits on the site correlate well with each issueof Connections and the Education Lecture Series.Shani acknowledged the good work of ExecutiveDirector Craig Heidrich in supporting theAssociation through a year of significant change andimprovement.

Officers elected to guide the Association throughthe next year are Chair –Shani Smith (ASMS),ViceChairman International – Bill Bourke (SteelServNZ), Vice Chairman Australia – Andrew Wilson(EcoCem),Treasurer – Simon Hodsden (MetservAustralia), Secretary – Oscar Gregory (BluescopeSteel), Executive Committee Members – RobNewman (SCE Group), Ross Johnson (HunterMill Services), Michael Byrne (Steel Cement),Technical Committee Chair – Tom Wauer (SteelCement), Education and Promotion CommitteeChair – Mark Furlong (ASMS), OperationsCommittee Chair – Chris Stuckey (MetservAustralia). ■

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Subscription Form: Connections

Focus is a key to success. During the last year,the Association underwent significant change. Basedon the earlier Venour / Jones Review, the Associationhas defined itself around slag products from theproduction of iron and steel.These products have along history of successful use in Australia andoverseas. Previous issues of Connections havedescribed the products and their uses in theConstruction industry.There is a new energy in theAssociation with stakeholders contributing towards asignificantly enlarged communications and educationprogram. In the last 4 months of 2003, some 22tailored slag product presentations were given toengineers and consultants at their place of business.

This program has attracted significant interest withrequests for additional presentations.

The versatility of slag products and theircontribution to resource conservation, infrastructuredevelopment and environmental improvement arefeatured in the Insider section of this issue. In NewZealand, melter slag is used as a water final waterpolishing medium for the wastewater treatmentplant in the local township of Waiuku. Port KemblaPort has used more than 2 million tonne of ironand steel making slags over several decadesincluding construction of the Coal Loader,construction and eventual reclamation of theCasting Basin where the Sydney Harbour Tunnel

immersed tub sections and later Bass Strait Off shoreoil and gas platforms were constructed.

Environmental performance is extending to manyareas of life. Energy ratings on electrical equipment areso familiar that they guide us in our choices. Nowhouses, offices and commercial buildings are green starrated with slag cements making a real contribution.Sustainable construction is a key focus in Victoria for2004. In USA blast furnace slag can qualify as asustainable material.

Read on to discover the opportunities that slagproducts offer in making a positive environmentalcontribution and supporting sustainabledevelopment. ■

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THIS QUARTER:Editorial comment 1 Association AGM sets thescene for the year ahead 1 Slag contributes togreen star rating2 Strong demands for technicalpresentations 2 Regeneration of slag filter bed 2NZ Melter Slag 3 Slag helps Port Kembla Port 4Members Listings 5 News Briefs 6

A U S T R A L A S I A N S L A G ( I R O N & S T E E L ) A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S L E T T E R

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Editorial comment

VOL 3 | ISSUE 1 | APRIL 2004

Slag – “the ultimaterenewable mineral resource” The video has proved to be very useful tomany members. New additional footagehas been incorporated demonstrating thebeneficial properties of slag in variouslarge-scale projectscompleted in recentyears.The video(15mins duration)outlines slag’s historicalbeginnings through tothe various types ofslag produced in amodern productionprocess today.

Copies are available to members at acost of $15.00 each, non-members $20.00plus postage and handling. Just completeand fax back the subscription/order formindicating your requirements.

Technical Resources on CDASA produces a number of high qualitytechnical guides (i.e. the new – “A Guideto the use of Iron and Steel Slag inRoads” and the “Guide to the Use ofSteel Furnace Slagin Asphalt and ThinBituminousSurfacings”)bulletins,newsletters andgeneral industryinformation on current issues.TheEducation and Promotion Committee hasdeveloped a Technical Compendium onCD; an invaluable readily accessiblereference tool for engineers, specifiers,consultants, government authorities, andslag users. A limited number of hard copiesare also available.

Copies are available to members at acost of $15.00 each, non members $20.00— plus postage and handling. UpdatedCD’s will be available for registered usersas new material is added. Stay up to date!Complete and fax back thesubscription/order form today.

www.asa–inc.org.au

Q U A R T E R L Y

2004 connectionsconnectionsA S S O C I A T I O N

Association AGM sets the scene for the year ahead

Metserv – Dr. Chris Stuckey moved toAustralia from the United Kingdom in July 2003 toassist with Special Projects in Australasian region. Hebegan his career with British Steel in South Walesinvestigating cold mill defects. Following completion ofa doctorate, he moved to technical management inthe Cold Rolling and Galvanising Plant in British Steel’sLlanwern Plant. Chris then moved to HeckettMultiserv’s (MetServ’s Parent Company) DivisionOffice in London providing business developmentand project management support on a global basis. In2002 he took responsibility for the briquettingoperations at Corus’s Scunthorpe Works.

National Slag Association (USA) has recentlybecome a member of ECCO – the EnvironmentalCouncil of Concrete Organizations. It will work withECCO to “promote slag products used in concreteboth as aggregate and as GGBS (ground granulatedblast furnace slag). ECCO works in conjunction withthe Green Building Council, which operates a greenbuilding rating program.[Source: NSA Slag Runner No. 1-04 February 2004]

Dr. Ihor Hinczak – Left Australian Steel MillServices in December 2003 after a 3 year term. Ihoris the former Chair of the Technical Committee ofthe Association. He has been involved in thedevelopment andmarketing of GroundGranulated Blast FurnaceSlag in the AustralianMarket over many yearsand has worked for Monier,Blue Circle SouthernCement and James Hardie.Dr Hinczak has served on Standards AustraliaCommittees for Cement and Supplementarycementitious Materials (Ground granulated Blastfurnace slag, Fly Ash and Amorphous silica). He isnow consulting generally to industry as CementechPty Limited.

A key focus of the Association is ensuringthat Universities and their Engineering andArchitecture students and lecturers have anappreciation of slag products. Tailoredpresentations are also available aponrequest for representatives fromEngineering and Construction organizationsGovernment Departments and Councils.During the quarter presentations weremade to:November / December 2003• Geopave / Graham Foley• Mildura City Council• Australian Road Research Board• AS James• Chadwicks• MineHarts

February 2004• GHD• Maunsells

Upcoming• University of Wollongong• University of NSW• Monash University• Australian Defence Forces Academy• Queensland University• Melbourne University• University of Western Sydney• University of Newcastle• Australian National University

NEWS BRIEFSco

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Connections EditorialConnections is published by ASAThe Australasian Slag AssociationWollongong NSW 2500 AustraliaPh: 02 4225 8466 • Fax: 02 4228 1777Email: info@asa-inc.org.auWeb: www.asa-inc.org.au

Publisher ASA inc.Executive Director Craig HeidrichEditorial David E. JonesArt Director Martin CostanzoDesign/Print Creativjuice Advertising

www.creativjuiceadvertsing.com

Contributors:ASMS, Bill Bourke – SteelServ NZ, David E. Jones,Craig Heidrich, Port Kembla Port Corporation,Steel Cement.

Quarterly Publication Circulation: 2,000Views expressed in Connections newsletter do notnecessarily reflect the opinion of the Australasian SlagAssociation. All contributions are welcomed, though thepublisher reserves the right to decline, to publish or edit forstyle, grammar, length and legal reasons. ©2004

Executive Committee (Lto R) Andrew Wilson, Mike Byrne, Oscar Gregory,Shani Smith (ASA Chairperson), Simon Hodsden, Ross Johnson and Rob Newman.

ASA Chairperson Shani Smith

PRESENTATIONS

ASANewsApril 2004 22/4/04 6:07 PM Page 1