cr121174

Perlco continued to conduct testwork to investigate using volcanic glass (pitchstone) as a pozzolanic material. A series of concrete slabs using varying pitchstone: Portland cement ratios were monitored, diamond drill cores were collected from the slabs and compressive strength tests conducted. The unconfined compressive strength testwork confirms that the addition of 10% pitchstone significantly increases the strength of concrete. Rock chip samples of were collected from 15 glass occurrences in the area and were analysed by XRF and results indicated a significant chemical variation, particularly Si, Al and K. Perlco continued marketing analysis and investigating new process technologies including infrared drying, furnace design and using solar power to replace conventional gas heating.