Optimization of Concrete Mix Design
N.B. Elkum (2003). Optimization of Concrete Mix Design . Journal of Statistical Research, Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 261-268.
This paper introduces Signal-to-Noise ratio and Non-linear programming techniques to optimize a concrete mix design for hot climates. A full factorial experiment with 3x4x4x3 treatment combinations of 48 mixes with 3 levels of temperature were prepared. At least nine specimens from each mix of 15x15x15 cm. cubes were tested for compressive strength value for temperature levels. In this case the average of three cubes reading for compressive strength value at each temperature level were obtained. The influences of the water/cement ratio (0.4, 0.5, and 0.6), coarse aggregate/total aggregate ratio (0.55, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.70), total aggregate/cement ratio (3, 4, 5, and 6), and temperature (24, 38, and 520c) on compressive strength were characterized and analyzed. Concurrent measure and mathematical techniques were developed for concrete strength as a function of temperature and mix proportion. Recommendations are provided on the optimum concrete mix for different temperatures as well as the mix that is least sensitive to temperature variations.
Fulltext PDF not available for this article.
