Title:
Optimization of Concrete Mix Using a Spreadsheet Package
Author(s):
Janusz Kasperkiewicz
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
91
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
551-559
Keywords:
concretes; costs; linear programming; mix proportioning; structural analysis; Materials Research
DOI:
10.14359/1375
Date:
11/1/1995
Abstract:
Using a PC and a spreadsheet, it is possible to apply analytical methods of concrete mix design to search for an optimal composition, i.e., a mix of lowest cost of the components. The paper is aimed at American concrete design specialists who are little accustomed to the methods encountered in Europe. Presented are the analytical design formulas, which are first transformed into form appropriate for application of the linear programming and that are next introduced into a spreadsheet. If the input data correspond to a feasible optimization problem, the price of the optimum mix and the optimal proportions of the components for the concrete of assumed strength and workability is immediately obtained. A numerical example is presented.