| Global Notebook | ||
| ASTM International in Mexico City
ASTM International’s Board of Directors will meet in Mexico City, Mexico, April 8-10 at the Presidente Inter-Continental Hotel. In conjunction with the meetings, ASTM will host seminars on Construction Material Standards and Steel Industry Standards on April 11. The goal of the seminars is to bring together representatives of the North American construction material and steel industries to better understand mutual needs and to determine how ASTM can help meet those needs. There is no fee to attend. Anyone interested may contact Kitty Kono, ASTM (phone: 610/832-9687). Trends in Welding Research
Building Regulatory Reform Alliance The National Alliance on Building Regulatory Reform in the Digital Age, the formation of which was reported in the October issue of SN, has developed a proposed new work product. The proposal entails the development, with federal assistance, of a nationwide secure, state-maintained database of designs and evacuation plans for critical structures that emergency personnel could access as they roll up on the site of a man-made or natural disaster. Alliance members are pursuing this concept with senior officials of the Bush Administration. Contact: Carolyn Fitch, National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards (phone: 703/481-2038). Portland Cement Education Foundation The Portland Cement Association has established a new foundation to help finance education programs in nearly every facet of the cement and concrete industries, from university research fellowships to career recruitment and craft training. The initial endowment for the Education Foundation is $3.5 million, funded by the net proceeds from the sale of PCA’s excess property last year. Through fund-raising activities, PCA hopes to increase that figure to $6 to $10 million over the next several years. The Foundation will provide direct educational grants for student scholarships, fellowships, and university professorships; develop educational courses and programs not funded through cement and concrete industry associations; provide educational opportunities, such as internships, and more. Contact: James F. Rappel or Richard P. Bohan. New Materials from ASTM International
A brochure is now available describing the services of ASTM International’s New Business Development Unit. The new unit makes ASTM’s longstanding expertise in the development and distribution of technical information available to clients. Through outsourcing and partnership agreements, New Business Development clients can leverage ASTM’s extensive experience and multiple technology tools to develop solutions that enable them to add value, minimize costs, and focus on their core business. For a copy of the brochure or more information, contact: Teresa Cendrowska, ASTM (phone: 610/832-9718). Textiles: Concept to Consumer The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists has formed a new committee, Concept to Consumer. The committee will provide a forum for textile, apparel, and home fashions manufacturers to discuss issues surrounding the creation of a product, from initial concept to final consumption. The committee is comprised of designers, merchandisers, mill specialists, dyers, and quality assurance managers from leading manufacturers and retailers. These groups have been brought together to explore new ways to improve communications, shorten lead times, increase efficiencies, and deliver higher quality goods to the consumer. Contact: Katy Chapman, AATCC (phone: 718/488-8904). // Copyright 2002, ASTM |
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The 6th International Conference on Trends in Welding Research
will be held April 15-19 in Pine Mountain, Ga. The conference
brings leading welding researchers from around the world together
with educators, engineers, technical managers, and executives.
The program includes problem-solving presentations on structural
applications, welding, brazing, soldering, laser welding, friction
stir welding, resistance spot welding, and more. A special symposium
on Welding of Stainless Steels will be held April 15 and 16. ASTM
is an endorsing sponsor of the conference. Contact: 
The ASTM publication, “The Handbook of Standardization,” has been
updated and free copies are available from ASTM. The eight-page
booklet, subtitled “A Guide to Understanding Standards Development
Today,” is a helpful overview on the subject of standardization.
From describing what a standard is, through basics about the U.S.
standards system, to a description of major standards developers
abroad, this four-color booklet might be just the tool you need
to learn more about the complex world of standardization. For
a free copy, contact: