A Statistical Experimental Design Using Response Surface Methodology for High-Performance Lightweight Concretes Containing Pumice Aggregate

It is possible to reduce the self-weight of buildings by using high-performance lightweight concretes (HPLCs) instead of conventional concrete. It is known that many provinces of Turkey are in dangerous earthquake zones. In this context, one of the most appropriate ways to reduce the self-weight of buildings, in terms of minimizing earthquake damages, is to use lightweight concrete. Due to the increasing need for HPLCs today, the related study draws attention to this aspect. In the present study, it is planned to evaluate the fresh and hardened concrete properties of HPLCs produced with pumice aggregates in two stages, experimentally and statistically. In the first stage, a 28-day series of HPLCs with different mix ratios and different concrete components was produced. Fresh and hardened concrete properties, such as slump and strength of the produced HPLCs, were determined. As a result of the experiments, all results for each concrete recipe were examined comparatively, and the best concrete recipes were determined. Then, in the second stage, after the experiments were completed, the slump, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength of HPLCs were analyzed with the multi-objective optimization method using the Response Surface Method. With these developed equations, it was observed that the machinability and strength properties of HPLCs for different test parameters were predicted with high accuracy. Consequently, developing HPLC mix designs through this predictive approach significantly reduces experimental workload, leading to substantial savings in labor, time, and costs.