A DOE (Response Surface Methodology) Approach to Predict the Strength Properties of Concrete Incorporated with Jute and Bamboo Fibres and Silica Fumes

Abstract

Design of Experiment approach is adopted for deriving progression variables comprising jute fibres, bamboo fibres, and silica fumes. To obtain the optimal combination of progression variables, the effect of progression variable on the strength properties of concrete, Box–Behnken design of Response Surface Methodology was adopted. Totally four responses like compressive strength and split tensile strength at 14 days and 28 days were considered. Regression models for responses were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pareto chart. The statistical importance of each progression variable was evaluated, and the attained models were articulated in second-order polynomial equation. The outcomes showed that addition of jute fibres, bamboo fibres, and silica fumes has enhanced the strength properties, but higher level of fibres incorporation exhibited reduction in strength. Surface plot, Pareto chart, and regression analysis outcomes show that the most substantial and influence factor at 14 days and 28 days for compressive strength is Jute fibres and for split tensile strength is both jute and bamboo fibres. The percentage of error of the validation tests is less than 4% for compressive strength and less than 3% for split tensile strength.