Biochar-enhanced concrete mixes: Pioneering multi-objective optimization

Abstract

The incorporation of biochar (BC) as a partial substitute for cement in concrete formulations provides a promising pathway for mitigating the environmental impacts associated with carbon dioxide emissions during cement production. To achieve optimal composition of BC-enhanced concrete, multiple objectives including mechanical strength, economic factors, and embodied CO2 must be balanced while considering a multitude of variables constrained by complex non-linear relationships. Here, we introduced an intelligent hybrid optimization algorithm that combines Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LSSVM), and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGAII) to predict the performance of BC-enhanced concrete and optimize its mix proportions for multiple objectives. Our results demonstrate that the PSO optimization algorithm for searching LSSVM hyper parameters outperforms other optimization algorithms, exhibiting higher generalization performance and improved overall accuracy (R2 = 0.95). Furthermore, the proposed model framework effectively presents a complete Pareto front for the BC-enhanced concrete mix ratio. This triangular model system for concrete mix ratio can determine the optimal solution, tailored to the preferences of the owner's unit. Ultimately, PSO-LSSVM-NSGAII intelligent hybrid optimization algorithm enhances the efficiency of mix proportion design for BC-enhanced concrete.