The Use of Scheffe's Model for the Optimization of Compressive Strength of Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Concrete (PFRC)

This research work is aimedat using an optimization model based on Scheffe’s Second Degree Polynomial (5,2) to optimize the compressive strength of Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Concrete (PFRC).In this study, Scheffe’s Second Degree Polynomial (5,2) model developed by Nwachukwu and others (2017) for five component mixture will be used to optimize the mix proportion that will produce the maximum strength of PFRC. Using Scheffe’s Simplex method, the compressive strength of PFRC was determined for different mix ratios. Control experiments were also carried out and the compressive strength determined. After the tests have been conducted, the adequacy of the model was tested using Student’s t-test. The test statistics found the model adequate for predicting the compressive strength of PFRC when the mix ratio is known. Optimum compressive strength for the Scheffe’s(5,2) model was obtained as 25.23N/mm2 . Since structural concrete elements are generally made with concrete having a compressive strength of 20 to 35 MPa (or 20 to35N/mm2 ), it then means that optimized PFRC based on Scheffe’s model can produce the required compressive strength needed in major construction projects such as bridges and light-weight structures. Stakeholders in the construction industry are therefore advised to use the optimized PFRC, mainly for its economic and safety advantages