Showing 4 results for Naghian
P. Hosseini, A. Kaveh, A. Naghian,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (7-2023)
Abstract
Cement, water, fine aggregates, and coarse aggregates are combined to produce concrete, which is the most common substance after water and has a distinctly compressive strength, the most important quality indicator. Hardened concrete's compressive strength is one of its most important properties. The compressive strength of concrete allows us to determine a wide range of concrete properties based on this characteristic, including tensile strength, shear strength, specific weight, durability, erosion resistance, sulfate resistance, and others. Increasing concrete's compressive strength solely by modifying aggregate characteristics and without affecting water and cement content is a challenge in the direction of concrete production. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) can be used to reduce laboratory work and predict concrete's compressive strength. Metaheuristic algorithms can be applied to ANN in an efficient and targeted manner, since they are intelligent systems capable of solving a wide range of problems. This study proposes new samples using the Taguchi method and tests them in the laboratory. Following the training of an ANN with the obtained results, the highest compressive strength is calculated using the EVPS and SA-EVPS algorithms.
P. Hosseini, A. Kaveh, A. Naghian,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
In this study, experimental and computational approaches are used in order to develop and optimize self-compacting concrete mixes (Artificial neural network, EVPS metaheuristic algorithm, Taguchi method). Initially, ten basic mix designs were tested, and an artificial neural network was trained to predict the properties of these mixes. The network was then used to generate ten optimized mixes using the EVPS algorithm. Three mixes with the highest compressive strength were selected, and additional tests were conducted using the Taguchi approach. Inputting these results, along with the initial mix designs, into a second trained neural network, 10 new mix designs were tested using the network. Two of these mixes did not meet the requirements for self-compacting concrete, specifically in the U-box test. However, the predicted compressive strength results showed excellent agreement with low error percentages compared to the laboratory results, which indicates the effectiveness of the artificial neural network in predicting concrete properties, thus indicating that self-compacting concrete properties can be predicted with reasonable accuracy. The paper emphasizes the reliability and cost-effectiveness of artificial neural networks in predicting concrete properties. The study highlights the importance of providing diverse and abundant training data to improve the accuracy of predictions. The results demonstrate that neural networks can serve as valuable tools for predicting concrete characteristics, saving time and resources in the process. Overall, the research provides insights into the development of self-compacting concrete mixes and highlights the effectiveness of computational approaches in optimizing concrete performance.
P. Hosseini, A. Kaveh, A. Naghian, A. Abedi,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (2-2024)
Abstract
The global population growth and the subsequent surge in housing demand have inevitably led to an increase in the demand for concrete, and consequently, cement. This has posed environmental challenges, as cement factories are significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. One promising solution is to incorporate pozzolanic materials into concrete production. This study investigates the effects of using travertine sludge as a partial substitute for cement. Seven different mix designs, along with a control mix, were created and compared. The primary variable was the ratio of travertine sludge to cement weight, considered in intervals of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% of the cement's weight. Various tests were conducted, including compressive strength and flexural strength at ages of 7, 28, and 90 days, as well as a permeability test at 28 days. The findings revealed interesting patterns. At the 7-day mark, as the percentage of travertine sludge increased, there was a decrease in compressive strength. However, by the 28-day mark, the concrete displayed a varied behavior: using up to 30% travertine sludge by weight reduced the strength, but exceeding 30% resulted in increased strength. At the 90-day mark, an overall increase in strength was observed with the rise in travertine sludge percentage. Such pozzolanic effects on compressive strength were somewhat predictable. Additionally, based on the flexural strength tests, travertine sludge can be deemed a viable substitute for a certain percentage of cement by weight. This research underscores the potential of sustainable alternatives in the construction industry, promoting both professional development and personal branding for those engaged in eco-friendly practices.
P. Hosseini, A. Kaveh, A. Naghian, A. Abedi,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (6-2024)
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and optimize artificial stone mix designs incorporating microsilica using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and metaheuristic optimization algorithms. Initially, 10 base mix designs were prepared and tested based on previous experience and literature. The test results were used to train an ANN model. The trained ANN was then optimized using SA-EVPS and EVPS algorithms to maximize 28-day compressive strength, with aggregate gradation as the optimization variable. The optimized mixes were produced and tested experimentally, revealing some discrepancies with the ANN predictions. The ANN was retrained using the original and new experimental data, and the optimization process was repeated iteratively until an acceptable agreement was achieved between predicted and measured strengths. This approach demonstrates the potential of combining ANNs and metaheuristic algorithms to efficiently optimize artificial stone mix designs, reducing the need for extensive physical testing.
