Design of alkali activated concrete using the Taguchi method

In this study, the Taguchi method has been used to determine the optimum mix proportions of Alkali Activated Concrete (AAC) produced under ambient conditions. This study also investigates the mechanical properties of the optimum AAC mix. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete of 60 MPa compressive strength was used as a control mix. The effects of binder content, the Sodium Silicate to Sodium Hydroxide (SS/SH) ratio, Sodium Hydroxide (SH) concentration, and alkaline activator to Binder ratio (AL/Bi) on the AAC were investigated in order to identify the optimum mix proportions. A total of nine mix designs were evaluated. It was found that specimens with a binder content of 450 kg/m3, SS/SH ratio of 2.5, SH concentration of 14 M, and AL/Bi ratio of 0.35, produced the highest compressive strength (62.1 MPa) on the 28th day. Trial mixture 10 (TM10) was identified as the optimal mix, based on Taguchi method. Test results confirm that the mechanical properties of AAC are equivalent to those of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete