This month we review happenings, speak of the all weather benefits of stabilising, talk about the Dallas Little visit and the 2014 AustStab conference.

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News from the Centre of Stabilisation expertise in Australia

A monthly newsletter informing you of initiatives and happenings in the stabilisation industry in Australia

Dear <<First Name>>

Welcome to AustStab's 28th newsletter. In August 2014:

We hosted the annual AGM and Gala Dinner;
We presented the 3rd Annual Awards of Excellence;
We delivered training with CPEE in Cairns;
We completed the first of the periodic review audits accordance with the AustStab ARRB scheme;
We accredited THE Mining in accordance with AustStab ARRB Accreditation Scheme;
We presented at the Swinburne Geotesta Pavement seminar in Hawthorn;
We elected the Council for 2014 - 2015
We continued to deliver on the pillars of the association.

Some upcoming events:

3-4 September 2014 - Benalla AustStab CPEE Training
10 September 2014 - Swinburne AUGLP, Vic
8 October 2014 - Professor Dallas Little (Texas A&M Transportation Institute) at Engineering Technology Forum 2014, Qld

This will be my final eStab newsletter issued as CEO.

I thank the AustStab Councils and members for their support and guidance over the last 5 years. I look forward to continuing my work with AustStab as a representative at Austroads and with my continued work with CPEE.

I wish Leah Fisher the best of luck in her new role as CEO.

Greg White
CEO

Wet Weather - All weather working platforms

Thank you Steve Hey, Stabilised Pavements of Australia, for reminding us of the benefits of stabilising subgrades to provide all weather working platforms during the wetter months.

The benefits of stabilised pavements in both subgrades and on unsealed roads is well understood by the stabilising companies.

In the 2010 DOTARS study it was found that unsealed pavements had slightly lower resultant costs with a longer life expectancy, than equivalent granular overlay pavements. They required far less frequent maintenance schedules, with maintenance rates being reduced from 2 - 3 times per year down to one per annum.

On new construction sites, stabilised subgrades are often used to dry out underlying pavements and provide all weather working platforms, with resultant improvements in strength, as well as serviceability.

Thanks Steve. A timely reminder, with the winter weather still upon us.

More information about the DOTARS study is available by clicking here.

Opportunity for Discussion with International Expert in Lime

At the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Engineering Transport Forum 2014 Greg White will participate in a workshop discussion on lime stabilisation with Professor Dallas Little (Texas A&M Transportation Institute), Peter Evans Deputy Chief Engineer (Pavements, Materials and Geotechnical) TMR and others as a precursor to the event.

Registrations are now closed. If you are still interested in attending, please contact Greg White.

2014 Awards of Excellence Winners

The Awards winners were announced:

Work, Heath and Safety
Stabilised Pavements of Australia

Excellence in Research and Education
Ausroads Stabilisers

Innovation or Excellence in Sustainability in Pavement Stabilisation
Negri Contractors - Melbourne Airport

Excellence in Recycling Stabilised Pavement in Local Government
Wollongong City Council - Mount Keira Road

AustStab Conference 2014

AustStab hosted the 19th AGM at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. The conference was attended by a record number of members.

Events sponsored by Caterpillar and Wirtgen Australia were greatly enjoyed and supported by the members, including the 3rd Awards of Excellence and the coveted AustStab Cup.

This year's Golf Cup winners were, under contentious wet weather conditions: Brad Brown, Craig Yates, Heath Curnow and Mark Pilgrim.

Max Wallis (in absentia) and Paul Keane were accepted as Honorary Members. We thank them for their many years of valuable contribution to the Association.

More information about the conference outcomes will be available in the next edition of the Roads and Civil Works Australia magazine.

Photos from the night will be shortly available for Award Winners by contacting Leah Fisher.