SCA Hosts 2026 Slag Cement School in Wilmington, Del.

Why It Matters

The school bridges the gap between standards and real‑world application, accelerating slag cement adoption and supporting the industry’s carbon‑reduction goals.

Key Takeaways

• Fifth annual Slag Cement School held April 21‑22 in Wilmington.
• Heidelberg Materials showcased new slag cement plant during exclusive tour.
• Sessions covered ASTM C595, low‑carbon concrete, and U.S. case studies.
• Leaders from Quikrete, St Marys, and Ozinga shared practical insights.
• Advancing Organizational Excellence sponsored event, boosting industry networking.

Pulse Analysis

Slag cement, a by‑product of steelmaking, has become a cornerstone of sustainable concrete, offering reduced carbon intensity and enhanced durability. The Slag Cement Association’s fifth annual Slag Cement School in Wilmington, Delaware, gathered engineers, manufacturers, and specifiers to deepen their technical knowledge. Over two days, participants received a comprehensive overview of slag production, cementitious properties, and the latest ASTM C595 specifications. By situating the event at a time when low‑carbon building materials are in high demand, the school positioned slag cement as a viable alternative to traditional Portland cement.

The curriculum featured industry veterans such as Jason Murtha of Heidelberg Materials, who detailed the chemistry behind slag’s pozzolanic activity, and speakers from Quikrete, St Marys Cement, and Ozinga who presented real‑world case studies spanning a wide range of slag replacement levels. Sessions addressed regional challenges, including mid‑Atlantic mix designs, and highlighted tools for quantifying sustainability benefits. A dedicated segment on carbon‑neutral concrete, led by NEU’s Kerry Sutton, underscored the material’s role in meeting aggressive net‑zero targets set by developers and regulators.

Beyond technical education, the school fostered networking among stakeholders, accelerating the diffusion of best practices across the U.S. market. The exclusive plant tour of Heidelberg Materials’ newly acquired slag facility gave attendees firsthand insight into modern production efficiencies and quality controls, reinforcing confidence in supply chain reliability. Sponsorship from Advancing Organizational Excellence underscored the growing corporate commitment to workforce development in the concrete sector. As municipalities and private developers increasingly mandate greener concrete, the knowledge exchange at this event is likely to translate into broader adoption and stronger demand for slag cement.