Cost optimization of high strength concretes by soft computing techniques

In this study 72 different high strength concrete (HSC) mixes were produced according to the Taguchi design of experiment method. The specimens were divided into four groups based on the range of their compressive strengths 40-60, 60-80, 80-100 and 100-125 MPa. Each group included 18 different concrete mixes. The slump and air-content values of each mix were measured at the production time. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and water absorption properties were obtained at 28 days. Using this data the Genetic Programming technique was used to construct models to predict mechanical properties of HSC based on its constituients. These models, together with the cost data, were then used with a Genetic Algorithm to obtain an HSC mix that has minimum cost and at the same time meets all the strength and workability requirements. The paper describes details of the experimental results, model development, and optimization results.