Optimizing Strength and Impact of Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Modified Foamed Concrete by Response Surface Method (RSM)

Abstract This study is divided into two stages. The first stage involves the use of four types of fibers (steel, carbon, glass, and polypropylene) and then choosing the best type of fiber to reinforcing the modified foamed concrete based on mechanical properties. In The second stage, three different lengths (12mm, 20mm, and 28mm) were taken to choose the best fiber type. These different lengths are the parameters that input to the statistical program (Minitab). In addition, there are four responses represented by a spread diameter of foamed reinforced concrete with hybrid fibers, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and impact properties. Twenty mixes were designed and checked experimentally using Central Composite Design (CCD) concept in RSM. Based on the experimental findings, mathematical models were developed and assessed using the analysis of variance test (ANOVA). The best values for the input parameters were found using a multi objectives optimization approach. The optimization process showed that the ideal input parameter values, F12, F20, and F28 were 0%, 0.133%, and 0.133% by volume of mix respectively. These theoretical values were checked experimentally and the achieved responses were quiet similar or higher than the best proposed mix.