An integrated approach for optimum design of HPC mix proportion using genetic algorithm and artificial neural networks

Abstract

This study aims to develop a cost-based high-performance concrete (HPC) mix optimization system based on an integrated approach using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and genetic algorithms (GA). ANNs are used to predict the three main properties of HPC, namely workability, strength and durability, which are used to evaluate fitness and constraint violations in the GA process. Multilayer back-propagation neural networks are trained using the results obtained from experiments and previous research. The correlation between concrete components and its properties is established. GA is employed to arrive at an optimal mix proportion of HPC by minimizing its total cost. A system prototype, called High Performance Concrete Mix-Design System using Genetic Algorithm and Neural Networks (HPCGANN), was developed in MATLAB. The architecture of the proposed system consists of three main parts: 1) User interface; 2) ANNs prediction models software; and 3) GA engine software. The validation of the proposed system is carried out by comparing the results obtained from the system with the trial batches. The results indicate that the proposed system can be used to enable the design of HPC mix which corresponds to its required performance. Furthermore, the proposed system takes into account the influence of the fluctuating unit price of materials in order to achieve the lowest cost of concrete, which cannot be easily obtained by traditional methods or trial-and-error techniques.