Optimization techniques for mortars with self-compacting characteristics through Central Composite Design

Abstract

The high demand for concrete in civil construction promotes investment by researchers and builders to find methodologies that improve performance, costs and reduced environmental degradation. What justifies the large consumption of concrete is the possibility of improving its characteristics according to use. Self-compacting concrete offers a mixture with high flowability, compaction and good mechanical properties. Statistics tools can be used for better optimization of mixtures, such as the Design of Experiments (DoE). Therefore, the objective of this research was to optimize an experimental dataset of high strength self-compacting mortars using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for a Central Composite Design (CCD). The results showed a strong correlation between the D-Flow and T-funnel response factors, when compared with CS14h and CS28d models. The input variable w/c was the most significant. Numerical optimization showed good accuracy and compliance for low cost and environmental impact, maintaining high performance in fresh and hardened properties. (c) 2023, Universidade do Porto - Faculdade de Engenharia. All rights reserved.