Optimization of high-strength self-consolidating concrete mix design using an improved Taguchi optimization method

Abstract

Since many parameters are involved in the concrete mix design, finding the optimal mixing design has always been a problem for concrete engineers. In this research, the Taguchi optimization method is improved to model to optimum mix design of the high strength self-consolidating concrete (HSSCC). For this purpose, at first different quality criteria and the parameters influencing them were defined based on the available literature. The Taguchi approach was then utilized to generate an the orthogonal array of the parameters. The experimental tests were then conducted according to the suggested design array in order to obtain the experimental data for each and every single scenario. The Best-Worst method is then adopted for pairwise comparisons of the quality criteria and experiments as such to obtain the overall weights of experiments with respect to each quality characteristics. Analysis of variance was also utilized to appraise the effective factors and the optimal mixture design. It was found that the proposed method was efficient in obtaining the optimal mixture design of the manufacturing process according to decision makers’ preferences. The experimental results indicated a significant improvement in the total quality of concrete compared to the decision maker’s estimated mixture design. The cement amount, water to cementitious ratio and mixing time are the most significant parameters affecting the concrete mix design.