Off-site Construction Research Centre

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Julia Holgate, Researcher at the Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC), had the incredible opportunity to attend ConAtlantic'24, a premier conference for concrete materials held in March. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made this enriching experience possible for Julia.

Technical sessions and industry innovations

ConAtlantic'24 was a convergence of producers and specialists, offering a robust agenda focused on mix design, production, and updates to the CSA A23.1/A23.2 standards. Julia found the presentations highly educational and was particularly impressed by the industry’s proactive shift towards low carbon concrete.

One of the standout topics was the transition from General Use (GU) cement to General Use Limestone (GUL) cement. This shift is part of a broader movement towards embracing performance-based specifications rather than prescriptive-based ones, which promises to enhance sustainability in the concrete industry.

The conference highlighted the release of seven reports by the Canadian Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA), providing industry average Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to serve as benchmarks until 2027.

These reports are crucial in guiding the ready-mix industry towards producing low carbon concrete, marking a significant step forward in reducing the environmental impact of concrete production.

Mental health in the workplace

Another notable presentation addressed mental health and psychological injuries in the workplace. This session underscored the expanding role of mental health considerations within occupational health and safety policies.

As the industry evolves, integrating mental health elements into workplace safety protocols is becoming increasingly important, reflecting a more holistic approach to employee well-being.

Looking ahead

Julia's experience at ConAtlantic'24 was invaluable, providing her with deeper insights into current trends and future directions in concrete materials. The focus on low carbon concrete and mental health in the workplace highlights the industry's commitment to both environmental sustainability and the well-being of its workforce.