Concrete Practices Research Articles

Estimation of compressive strength of concrete with manufactured sand and natural sand using interpretable artificial intelligence

To satisfy the design strength of manufactured sand concrete (MSC) in practical engineering applications, a plethora of geotechnical tests are frequently conducted. An effective approach is imperative to reduce the consumption of labor and resources during these tests. The objective of this paper is to introduce an interpretable machine learning (ML) method to evaluate the compressive strength (CS) of MSC. Firstly, a dataset was established by compiling experimental results from 208 literatures. 3382 data points were selected from the dataset for algorithm training. Recursive Feature Elimination with Cross-Validation (RFECV) was employed to select input parameters. Four algorithms with 12 selected input variables and 1 output variable were constructed to predict CS of MSC using Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm (XGBoost), and Categorical Boosting (CatBoost). The results show that XGBoost has the highest accuracy and generalization ability (R2=0.934, MAE=3.44, RMSE=5.16, MAPE=0.07). To enhance model transparency, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was adopted to explain the underlying predictive mechanisms of ML models. Analyses show that, 1) the cement content, curing time, and water content were the main feature parameters influencing the CS of MSC, 2) the cement content, curing time, and water content have a linear increase, logarithmic increase, and exponential decrease with the CS of MSC, respectively. Partial Dependence Plots (PDP) and Individual Conditional Expectation (ICE) plots were used to further analyze the impacts of these significant influencing factors on the CS of MSC. Additionally, the Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME) method was employed to investigate thresholds for various material dosages in MSC containing 5–10 % stone powder. Two typical scenarios were selected for analysis, yielding recommended dosage ranges for concrete of two distinct strengths. Finally, a graphical user interface (GUI) for the CS of MSC has been designed, which might be of great use to material engineers. This provides reference and guidance for concrete engineering practice.

Negotiating the Affordance of Greco-Roman Spiritual Exercise for Community Flourishing: From and beyond Foucauldian Care of the Self

The worldwide launch of neoliberalism ushered everyone into an atomized society. Neoliberalism transforms Homo sapiens into Homo economicus, a narcissistic self-entrepreneur that positions their body as a factory, skills as resources, and earnings as products while relying less on others. Such atomization of individuals undermines the community. Following the Cartesian moment, enlightenment, and postmodernism’s later wave, the world is disenchanted, deprived of unity in the form of community fragmentation. Foucault offered a Greco–Roman philosophical remedy for contemporary society, focusing on the formulation of ‘Spiritual-Corporality’ through the practice of care of the self. Foucault believed the one who takes good care of himself is often self-assured of his ability, expectations, and missions in relationships with others, he does not resort to tyranny in those relationships, giving him an ethical advantage in caring for his family and fellow citizens. If everyone strives to take care of themselves, the city-state will prosper. However, Foucault relied on Stoic philosophy over other ancient schools and failed to provide concrete practices on how to bind ourselves with others through care of the self. In partial agreement with Foucault, the present study chooses Hadot’s spiritual exercise as a more accurate terminology to justify Greco–Roman philosophies’ affordance to contemporary social unification. After reviewing the philosophies of Aristotle, the Stoics, and Epicurus, the present study selected the spiritual exercises of ‘hitting the mean as deliberation’, ‘reframing of self’, and ‘thinking outside the box’ as suitable practices for community flourishing.

Inclusive Universities. Exploring the well-being of university students with special needs in Albania

Aim. The purpose of this study is to explore the issue of the inclusion of university students with special needs (USSN) in universities and their social well-being, based on the case of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Tirana in the Republic of Albania. Methods. The methodology used is based on the combination of secondary sources, with primary ones, provided through the interview of the academic and administrative staff, parents and students. Results. The study highlighted that in the Republic of Albania important positive steps have been taken in improving the legislation of Higher Education regarding the inclusion of UUUUSSN in universities. This has been successfully adapted to the Unaiversity Statute of the University of Tirana. Also, the study highlighted that even from the infrastructural aspect, some opportunities have been created for USSN in this faculty, but they are still insufficient. The lack of protocols and individual programmes for the treatment of USSN is a necessity. Regardless of these shortcomings and some people’s skepticism about the participation of USSN in university education, a friendly climate is created in this faculty, in function of the social well-being of USSN. Conclusions. As a conclusion, the adaptation of the philosophy of inclusion in concrete practices is met with numerous challenges. Regarding the creation of a friendly climate in function of the social welfare of USNS, the case of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Tirana constitutes a positive model, which should be promoted.

Theoretical Review of The Nature and the Possibilities of Inclusive Catholic Education in Lithuania

Aim. The aim of this theoretical review is to identify the possibilities of inclusive education in a Catholic school. The review seeks to describe the ways in which such schools have already chosen to engage or not engage in compulsory inclusive education in Lithuania. It also seeks to highlight the Catholic Church's teaching on inclusion of vulnerable groups. Methods. Analysis and synthesis of scientific literature. Analysis and synthesis of Catholic Church documents. Results. The analysis and synthesis of the scientific literature revealed that Catholic educational institutions in Lithuania implement one of the following three ways of contact with inclusion: a) full inclusion, b) gradual involvement in the state strategy of inclusion, c) segregation of pupils at the time of admission to the school. The analysis and synthesis of Catholic Church documents has shown that the Church's teaching on the inclusion of vulnerable groups unequivocally invites, encourages and even insists that schools become open to all children and their needs. Conclusions. The very nature of the Church community is inherently inclusive and has no room for discrimination; on the contrary, its weakest members should be the most lovingly protected. The development of Catholic education is bound up not only with the creators of specific educational paradigms, but also with the changes in general education in a particular context. Although concrete practices are gradually changing and showing good trends towards inclusiveness, some schools retain a strong elitist character and tend to offer aid as a form of charitable action outside the formal schooling.

Abstract B164: Sustaining statewide transdisciplinary collaborations to address cancer disparities

Abstract Background: Wisconsin’s cancer disparities are evident when considered by race/ethnicity, geography, and socio-economic status. Addressing these disparities requires deeper integration of social and scientific problem-solving and a systems approach. Given the nature of disparities, it also demands that we not just seek equitable outcomes but collaborate in ways that reflect equity in the process. To achieve this, we developed a transdisciplinary approach inclusive of community, clinicians, and researchers and builds capacity to understand, at a deep level, factors that underpin disparities and design newer sustainable solutions. Methods: The Community and Cancer Science Network (CCSN) Integration Hub was established within the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center to provide leadership and capacity building to eight transdisciplinary teams working to address cancer disparities. The Integration Hub and its teams use a co- leadership structure with a community and academic PI as well as a facilitator and evaluator. The Integration Hub has four primary strategies: identifying and addressing knowledge gaps in cancer disparities, building capacity for transdisciplinary collaboration, cultivating networks and relationships, and disseminating through feedback loops that touch communities, academic medicine, and policy. Our approach is grounded in the principles of deep equity, considerations across the biology to policy spectrum, and systems thinking. Results: In its third year, CCSN adapted and adopted tools to understand its effectiveness in building a collaborative environment for transdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and to set strategy for sustainability. Results from a partner survey administered to team members (n=73) highlighted that the CCSN model contributes to fostering learning conditions that support a strong transdisciplinary approach including a supportive learning environment, concrete learning practices, leadership that reinforces learning and a reflection of core principles as well as embedding a transdisciplinary orientation in team members. The Integration Hub leadership also completed the Organizational Mapping Tool for Coalitions, Alliances and Networks (OMT-CAN) to assess critical dimensions of network health. The assessment helps identify strengths and identify areas for improvements. CCSN network leaders (n=21) rated the network moderate to strong in culture and relationships; joint action, planning, learning and evaluation; and in purpose, goals and strategy. The team further identified the need to work on refining structure, identity and participation; its capacity for strategic communications; and advocacy and organizing. Discussion: To integrate social and scientific problem-solving and address cancer disparities requires the resourcing of credible capacity building networks that can broker equitable relationships between academic medicine and community members and organizations. The CCSN Integration Hub offers a strong model embedded within a cancer center that accomplishes those goals. Citation Format: Tobi Cawthra, Laura Pinsoneault, Kristen Gardner-Volle, Alexis Krause, Kim Kinner, Melinda Stolley. Sustaining statewide transdisciplinary collaborations to address cancer disparities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B164.

Impact of GHG emission, temperature, and precipitation on rice production in Nepal

Climate variables mainly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, temperature, precipitation, and rainfall are affecting crop production across the world. Nepal as a vulnerable country in terms of climate change, has raised the attention of researchers and policymakers in recent years. In this scenario, this study has attempted to find the impact of GHG emissions, temperature, and precipitation on rice production in Nepal. The study is based on time serried data from 1990 to 2019. The findings show that GHG emission has a significant positive impact on rice production. However, the annual average mean temperature has a significant negative impact on rice production. Besides having a negative coefficient, precipitation did not affect rice production significantly. The study recommends concrete climate change adaptation practices in the major rice production areas of Nepal, mainly in the Terai and Hilly belts.

Environmental savings from concrete reuse: examining the limitations and optimal practices for cutting thresholds of concrete building components for reuse

Abstract Concrete, a widely used construction material, presents both opportunities and challenges for promoting environmentally responsible practices. This research focuses on the concept of concrete reuse as a sustainable strategy, examining the limitations of cutting dimensions. To investigate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with preparing concrete for reuse, a mathematical model was developed considering several factors, such as transportation emissions, energy used in cutting, and the effects of varying cutting performance and energy sources. By incorporating real-life data and connecting with industrial practices, this study establishes a screening standard to determine the minimum cutting size for concrete reuse. The results indicate that the ratio of transportation distances for the reuse case versus the new production of concrete case has an influence on the minimum cutting size for concrete reuse. Moreover, the cutting size itself significantly impacts the overall GHG emissions of the reuse strategy. We offer practical insights for industry stakeholders to optimize concrete reuse practices and effectively reduce GHG emissions. As further research explores cost-effectiveness and on-site case studies, the potential for large-scale implementation of concrete reuse has become increasingly promising. Thus, concrete reuse has emerged as a viable and effective approach to sustainable construction, provided that the minimum cutting dimensions are carefully considered.

Centering community and care: Enacting the Torres’ rights of the learner to support middle grades students in building collective responsibility in learning mathematics

ABSTRACT In this paper, we propose a teaching approach centered on community and care, aimed at fostering a democratic classroom environment. We highlight the communal co-creation of the Rights of the Learner (RoTL) as the foundation for establishing a shared responsibility atmosphere. Our interpretation of the RoTL challenges traditional power dynamics, control structures, and authority in educational settings, advocating for an environment of mutual respect and collective learning. This approach promotes a more inclusive learning environment, where responsibility is distributed among all classroom members, enhancing unity and collective investment in the learning process. We provide concrete classroom practices to illustrate the enactment of the RoTL by offering a practical approach for integrating community and care to transform teaching and learning of mathematics into a democratic, inclusive, and equitable community for all learners.

New Model of College Journalism and Communication Curriculum Reform under the Digital Age

Based on the concrete experience and practice of China's journalism and communication education reform in recent years, this paper discusses the needs of The Times, concept innovation and mode exploration. This paper focuses on how to empower journalism and communication education with "practice", puts forward the concept of "practice view of journalism education", upgrades the "practice education" to "comprehensive practice", promotes the innovation of journalism and communication education model, and promotes the high-quality development of journalism and communication education. The article also discusses the opportunities and challenges of journalism and communication education in the new situation, and how to better adapt to the change of media technology and train excellent journalism and communication talents to adapt to the new communication environment.

Bridging the information gap using targeted digital transformation: process mapping large-scale concrete activity

ABSTRACT An information gap exists in the construction industry, where stakeholders possess information that is not effectively shared or sufficiently detailed. The information gap increases uncertainty in decision-making processes, leading to design conservatism, project delays and errors. Reducing over-design and waste in concrete practice is critical to achieving greater sustainability. Bridging the information gap, therefore, supports sustainable change and can be reinforced by digital transformation that aids information availability. Nevertheless, the complexity and current ambiguity in the information requirements of stakeholders in the supply chain pose a substantive challenge to effective implementation. To this end, this study develops a process flow model for the concrete sector constructed using a mixed method approach of a questionnaire, interviews, and an industry workshop. The information requirements and actions of all stakeholders in the system are collectively mapped for the first time. By developing process understanding, the model demonstrates that the current document-centric approach adopted by the sector contributes to the information gap. Furthermore, the developed process understanding aids in targeted digital transformation to tackle the information gap in practice.

Practice and Experience of Corps Colleges and Universities in the New Era of the Communist Party of China's Unity and Stabilisation of the Borderlands

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out when attending the Fifth Session of the 13th National People's Congress that "national unity is the lifeline of all ethnic groups in our country, and the sense of community of the Chinese nation is the basis of national unity". Based on this, this study takes the creation of national unity and progress in colleges and universities as the main line, selects the national national unity and progress in the creation of demonstration units - Shihezi University as the object of study, comprehensively applies the comprehensive social survey research methods such as literature research, participant observation, interviews, etc., sums up the specific practice of Shihezi University in practicing unity and stabilisation of Xinjiang, and puts forward targeted, comprehensive, and effective measures for the creation of Xinjiang's national unity and progress in Xinjiang. The study will summarise the concrete practice of Shihezi University, put forward targeted and exemplary opinions on the creation of national unity and progress, promote the implementation and development of the concept of "unity and stability" in the whole territory, and offer suggestions for the realisation of social stability and long-term peace and stability in Xinjiang.

Deciphering China’s higher education outreach paradigm in Southeast Asia: can a neo-tributary perspective work?

AbstractChina’s unprecedented economic rise has fueled scholarly debates about its mentality of power strategy. Pundits have approached China’s strategic objectives through its higher education outreach, with Confucius Institute expansion and international student recruitment as two mostly discussed pathways. Whereas their efforts have been largely oriented by Western lexicon including soft power and center-periphery dichotomy. China’s emerging engagements in higher education aid projects and partnerships, particularly along the Belt and Road, are rarely noticed. Adopting the Chinese history-based neo-tributary perspective as the theoretical lens, this study (re)conceptualizes China’s paradigm for global rise through its higher education export to Southeast Asia, encompassing language training, educational development assistance, student mobility, and institution/program partnerships. Data was collected from documentation, institutional data, and semi-structured interviews with 40 informants from Sino-Cambodian higher education programs. The results suggest that universities serve as a showcase for a more pragmatic Chinese exceptionalism, in which traditional Chinese worldview has been incorporated with scientific outward-looking Western ideals. A cultural recognition-seeking tactic has been experimented through telling stories of China’s attractive contemporary cultures and values in educational practices. China has relied more on utilizing higher education as a tool for short-lived economic incentives, diplomatic alliances, and image-building activities to yield quick returns. However, concrete higher education outreach practices remain scant. Neo-tributary perspective is helpful in systematically examining China’s power projection but still confined to its simplified presuppositions of Sino-centrism. It should integrate pluralistic concepts like tianxia and knowledge diplomacy to unveil China’s interactions with the ‘Global South’ and the ‘Global North’.

Leveraging clay formwork 3D printing for reinforced concrete construction

ABSTRACT Robotic clay formwork three-dimensional printing combined with incremental concrete casting controls concrete's hydrostatic pressure and enables the production of building-scale structures. Clay formwork is self-demolding and less carbon intensive than concrete and polymer, often used in formwork additive manufacturing. This research investigates the recycling and reuse of clay to re-print formworks and tailors a self-compacting concrete formula with 60% reduced cement content and 90% larger maximum aggregate size. The study then explores integrating steel fibers and longitudinal rebars into the fabrication process to provide shear and bending reinforcement. When comparing the load-bearing behaviour of the fabricated beams against those cast traditionally using wooden formworks, the fabricated beams demonstrated 20% lower load-bearing capacity, with peak load mid-span deflections staying in a similar range. While more investigation is required to address formwork deformations using mixed steel fibers and recycled clay, this research paves the way for more sustainable concrete construction practices.

Sound Allyship? Straight Politicians and LGBQ Representation in Canada

How do heterosexual politicians who are allies perform LGBQ representation? Through the eyes of Canadian LGBQ parliamentarians, I uncover some heterosexual politicians’ motivations for becoming allies and some of their concrete practices in this regard. I also identify some criticisms voiced by LGBQ parliamentarians in relation to their heterosexual colleagues’ activities of LGBQ representation. Straight politicians become allies for ideological and lived experience reasons. However, beyond best intentions, heterosexual allyship is not without its critics among LGBQ parliamentarians. In conclusion, I contemplate some of the contributions that this article can make to substantive representation and argue for further work to address the voices and experiences of straight parliamentarians on their allyship activities of LGBQ representation.

A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Approaches for Evaluating the Compressive Strength of Pozzolanic Concrete

This study leverages machine learning techniques to predict pozzolanic concrete's compressive strength accurately. Using artificial neural networks (ANN), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting regressor (GBR) models trained on a dataset of 482 samples, the study divides the data into 70% training and 30% testing subsets with seven input parameters. Model performance is assessed through metrics like coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The RF model excels, achieving R2 values of 0.976 in training and 0.964 in testing, along with the lowest RMSE (2.84 MPa) and MAE (2.05 MPa) during training and RMSE values of 7.81 MPa and MAE values of 5.89 MPa during testing, demonstrating superior predictive accuracy. Sensitivity analysis highlights the pivotal role of cement as an input parameter, contributing significantly to the model's accuracy. Employing K-fold cross-validation confirms the RF model's robustness with an average R2 value of 0.959. This research underscores the RF model's reliability and effectiveness in forecasting pozzolanic concrete compressive strength, with practical applications for concrete optimization and construction practices, establishing it as the preferred choice compared to other machine learning models. IUBAT Review—A Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, 7(1): 90-122

A Study on the Impact of the Scale and Structure of China's fiscal expenditure on people's Livelihood

As a public finance model with Chinese characteristics, people's livelihood finance is rooted in China's current national conditions and development stage. This concept marks a major shift in China's development strategy, from a single fo cus on economic construction in the past to a comprehensive development model that attaches equal importance to economic growth and people's well being. This change not only reflects the country's great attention to people's livelihood issues, but also indicates that China's economy and society are moving towards a new stage that pays more attention to people's livelihood. However, translating ideas into concrete policies and practices does not happen overnight, and requires time to settle and co ntinuous explorati on. Therefore, the key to the construction of people's livelihood finance is to reasonably determine and optimize the scale and structure of financial expenditure in the field of people's livelihood. This paper aims to deeply analyze the current sit uation of China's fiscal expenditure investment in the field of people's livelihood, explore its development trend through empirical an alysis, and reveal the existing problems. Specifically, this paper first makes a quantitative analysis of the scale of China's f iscal livelihood expenditure to reveal its changing trend over time. Then, we will further explore the changes in the expenditure structure, i ncluding the proportion and distribution of investment in key livelihood areas such as education, health care and social security. On this basis, this paper will reveal the existing problems of the current financial expenditure on people's livelihood. In order to deeply analyze the reasons behind these problems, this paper will further explore the main factors that le ad to the scale and structure of fiscal expenditure on people's livelihood. These factors may include unclear policy guidance, imperfect fisc al system, and imperfect supervision mechanism. Through the in depth analysis of these reasons, this paper aims to provide targeted optimization suggestions for the construction of livelihood finance.

Enhancing sustainability in self-compacting concrete by optimizing blended supplementary cementitious materials

Within concrete engineering, the uptake of self-compacting concrete (SCC) represents a notable trend, delivering improved workability and placement efficiency. However, challenges persist, notably in achieving optimal performance while mitigating environmental impacts, particularly in cement consumption. However, simply reducing the cement content in the mix design can directly compromise the structural-concrete requirements. Towards these challenges, global trends emphasize the utilization of appropriate waste materials in blended concrete. This study explored a promising strategy by integrating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in addition to the engineering contributions. It suggests an optimal combination of Metakaolin (MK) and Limestone Powder (LP) to partially substitute cement. The research methodology employs the response surface method (RSM) to systematically explore the ideal ingredient ratios. Through a comprehensive analysis of orthogonal array of 16 mixes, encompassing both mixture and process variables, this study aims to explain the effects of MK and LP addition on the rheological and mechanical properties of SCC with varying cement replacement levels. In terms of mixture constituents, the total composition of cement, MK, and LP was fixed at 100%, while coarse aggregate (CA), fine aggregate (FA), and the water-to-binder ratio were held as process variables. In order to assess the rheological properties of the mix-design, various tests including slump flow, L-box, and sieve segregation were conducted. Additionally, to evaluate mechanical strength, samples were tested for compressive strength at both 7 and 28 days. Findings from the experiments reveal higher concentrations of MK result in reduced workability and hardened properties. Through RSM-based designed experimentation covering both rheological and mechanical aspects, it is observed that the optimal cement replacement level lies between 40 and 55%. The findings of this study contribute to the advancement of sustainable and structurally robust concrete practices, offering insights into the optimal utilization of SCMs to meet both engineering requirements and environmental sustainability goals.

Perioperative patient safety indicators-A Delphi study.

To identify, define and achieve consensus on perioperative patient safety indicators within a Swedish context. A modified Delphi method. A purposeful sample of 22 experts, all experienced operating room nurse specialists, was recruited for this study. A questionnaire was constructed incorporating statements derived from a preceding study. The experts were asked to rate the importance of each statement concerning patient safety during the perioperative phase. The data collection occurred through an online survey platform between November 2022 and April 2023. The CREDES checklist guided the reporting of this study. The three-round Delphi study resulted in consensus on 73 statements out of 103, encompassing 74% process indicators and 26% structure indicators. Key areas of consensus included the use of the Surgical Safety Checklist and optimizing the operating room environment. Consensus was reached on perioperative safety indicators, underscoring the intricate challenges involved in ensuring patient safety in the operating room. It emphasizes the important integration of both structure and process indicators for comprehensive safety assessment during surgical procedures. Recognizing the difficulty in measuring factors like teamwork and communication, essential for patient safety, the study offers practical guidance. It underlines a balanced approach and specific consensus areas applicable in clinical practice to enhance perioperative patient safety. This study provides concrete practice guidance and establishes a structured framework for evaluating perioperative care processes. It emphasizes the critical role of professionals having the necessary skills and being present during surgical procedures. Additionally, the study underscores the paramount importance of effective communication and teamwork within the operating room team, substantively contributing to overall patient safety enhancement. The study focused on addressing the challenge of ensuring patient safety in operating rooms, acknowledging the persistent complications related to surgery despite global efforts to eliminate avoidable harm in healthcare. Consensus was reached on 73 crucial indicators for perioperative patient safety, emphasizing a balanced approach integrating both process and structure indicators for a comprehensive assessment of safety during surgical procedures. The study has a broad impact on professionals and healthcare systems, providing concrete guidance for practice and offering a structured process for evaluating perioperative care. The study is reported informed by 'Guidance on Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies (CREDES) in palliative care: Recommendations derived from a methodological systematic review'. No patient or public contribution.

Research on the Improvement of Teachers' Salary System in Private Colleges and Universities

In the current era of increasingly intense competition among colleges and universities, private colleges and universities are booming, and with the development of economy, the competition for excellent teachers is becoming increasingly fierce. Therefore, an effective salary system is of great importance to colleges and universities. Effective salary system must conform to the development of colleges and universities, and combine salary theory, incentive theory and other theories into concrete practice. At the same time, the research on the salary system of private colleges and universities must clarify its purpose and significance, so as to better formulate the salary system research plan suitable for the teachers of private colleges and universities.

Robust prediction of workability properties for 3D printing with steel slag aggregate using bayesian regularization and evolution algorithm

This study addresses the growing interest in utilizing steel slag as a sustainable alternative to river sand in additive manufacturing of concrete, driven by the increasing scarcity of natural resources. The rheological properties of fresh material significantly impact the quality of 3D-printed filament, necessitating suitable workability for printability. The research focuses on evaluating the influence of steel slag aggregate and key admixtures, such as silica fume and superplasticizer, on the workability properties of fresh concrete. Through an extensive series of 90 slump tests, optimal combinations ensuring the desired workability for 3D printing applications were identified. To enhance the manufacturing of fresh concrete and develop user-friendly tools, a novel soft computing approach is introduced—Adaptive Elitist Differential Evolution coupled with Bayesian Regularization Artificial Neural Network (aeDE-BRANN). This advanced model considers five critical input parameters: silica fume to Portland cement ratio, steel slag to cement ratio, water to cement ratio, cement content, and superplasticizer dosage. The model outputs crucial workability metrics, including slump flow and slump. In a comprehensive comparative study, the aeDE-BRANN framework demonstrates superior performance in terms of both simplicity and efficiency when compared to other forecasting models. Feature analysis techniques, including Shapley values from game theory and partial dependence plots, provide valuable insights into the intricate relationships between input variables and workability properties. The findings underscore the water to cement ratio as the most influential factor on workability, followed by silica fume to Portland cement ratio and steel slag to cement ratio. This study contributes a reliable tool for predicting workability properties, aiding in the selection of suitable steel slag aggregate and admixtures. Ultimately, it facilitates the sustainable and innovative evolution of 3D concrete printing practices.