PREDICTION OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF RECYCLED AGGREGATE CONCRETE USING SOFT COMPUTING

Abstract

It isanot possible to predictathe strength and otheraconcrete properties solelyabased on the propertiesaand proportions of theamix components. Therefore, mixes areadesigned on an empiricalabasis, often with theahelp of trial mixes. Theaobjective of the mix design is toaassure thatathe product has specifiedaproperties in both the fresh andahardened state. Theamaterial obtained immediatelyaupon mixing of the variousaconcrete ingredients isacalled freshaconcrete, whileahardened concrete resultsawhen the cement hydrationaprocess has advancedasufficiently to give the materialamechanical strength. Concreteathat is batchedaand mixed in aaplant and then transportedaby truck in its fresh, oraplastic, state to theaconstruction site for finalaplacement is called ready-mixedaconcrete. Code-writingaorganizations, such as theaAmerican Society for Testingaand Materials, the AmericanaConcrete Institute (ACI), and theaAmerican Association ofaState Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), haveapublished detailed specifications and recommendationsafor measuring,amixing, transporting, placing,acuring, and testingaconcrete. A properamix design assuresathat the concreteamix is well proportioned.