New breakthrough with flyash in block
Rinker Materials’ block manufacturing group in Florida is breaking new ground by using flyash in their concrete block.
Flyash—a waste product from coal-fired boiler systems—has long been used in concrete to lower the consumption of Portland cement. However, its use in block manufacturing is uncommon because it typically slows the curing process and lowers early strengths.
Late last year, the Bonita Springs block manufacturing plant began experimenting with low levels of flyash. The initial results have been outstanding.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of the plant production team and masonry quality assurance manager Tom Herrell, they have been successful in significantly reducing block production costs. More importantly, three more plants - Fort Pierce, Riviera Beach and Pennsuco – will also take up the use of flyash, helping to reduce their levels of cement and reduce costs.
Ready to be a Wildlife Warrior
An artist’s impression of how the animal hospital will look.
The tragic death of Steve Irwin “Crocodile Hunter” last year is a great loss to wildlife conservation. His passion for the cause was second to none.
If you ever saw him in action, either on the TV or at his zoo, you’d agree that it’s hard to easily forget his khaki outfits, enthusiasm for wildlife or that he would wrestle crocodiles.
His death brought with it a deluge of support from around the world to help carry on his dream of conserving wildlife.
Part of this dream was the construction of a new animal hospital for Wildlife Warriors on Australia’s Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
Early in 2006, even before Steve was killed, the Readymix team on the Sunshine Coast pledged its support for the construction of this hospital, agreeing to supply the concrete slab.
“With Steve’s passing, construction of the hospital was understandably delayed as the Irwin family regrouped to try and work out how best to carry on without Steve,” says Peter Ambrose, cell manager for Sunshine Coast quarries. “We’re ready to help as soon as they need us.”
One year later, plans for the hospital are back in full swing and the Wildlife Warriors team hopes to open the hospital later this year, 12 months after Steve’s death.
