Title: Necessity is the mother of invention

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/28/2011

Abstract:
Research and development is governed not only by market related strategies, but also by other factors, including changes in the environment and safety issues as well. This presentation is aimed at providing a few examples on how cement and concrete technology has developed to assist in providing solutions for the needs brought about by changes in strategic thinking as a result of global and external pressure. The change in strategy could be related to health issues such as that in the asbestos cement industry, environmental restrictions, or other related factors, placing demand on new development. The four examples presented are: Value added to products in the search for asbestos fibre replacement in the fibre cement industry; Advanced performance in concrete structures for construction in earthquake prone areas and light weight structures; Innovative cements developed as a result of the Kyoto Protocol; High performance concrete developed for nuclear waste disposal