A robust approach for evaluating modulus of elasticity of pavement concrete

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation carried out to optimize the modulus of elasticity of pavement concrete by Taguchi method. The experiments have been designed using orthogonal array technique in L₁₆ array with four factors and four levels each. Factor levels are 0.30, 0.35, 0.40 and 0.45 water/binder ratio, four different types of gradation with maximum aggregate size of 32 mm, 0, 5, 10 and 15% fly ash and 0, 10, 20 and 30% silica fume replacement by weight of cement. The response data have been analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique. According to ANOVA table, water/binder ratio and fly ash content play significant role on modulus of elasticity of concrete pavement. Moreover, the optimum conditions are found to be 0.30 water/binder ratio, gradation Type IV (70% coarse aggregate, 30% fine aggregate), 5% FA content and 20% SF contents. Maximum modulus of elasticity of 33 GPa has been achieved at the optimum conditions. In addition, it is shown that Taguchi method can be used in a pavement concrete mix design as an alternative to the conventional design method.<b style=""></b>