Optimization of CWP-BFS Blended Geopolymer Concrete Using BWM-based Taguchi Method

Abstract

The feasibility of blending ceramic waste powder (CWP) with blast furnace slag (BFS) to produce geopolymer concrete has seen limited investigation. This study aims to optimize the mixture proportions of CWP-BFS blended geopolymer concrete for superior mechanical and durability characteristics using the best-worst method (BWM) for multi-criteria optimization. The design of the experiments was carried out using the Taguchi method for five factors, each having four levels. The resulting CWP-BFS geopolymer concrete mixtures of the L16 orthogonal array were proportioned using different binder content, BFS replacement percentage, alkali-activator solution to binder ratio (AAS/B), sodium silicate (SS) to sodium hydroxide (SH) ratio (SS/SH), and SH solution molarity. Test methods included compressive strength and water absorption. The two quality criteria were given equal weights to determine the optimal levels of factors. The method revealed that the optimum mix had a binder content of 450 kg/m3, BFS replacement percentage of 60%, AAS/B of 0.5, SS/SH of 1.5, and SH solution molarity of 10 M. Experimental findings endorse the utilization of CWP in geopolymer concrete as a means of alleviating the adverse environmental impact associated with its disposal.