Parameter optimization on compressive strength of steel fiber reinforced high strength concrete

► Taguchi method reduces the number of experiments significantly. ► Age and binder type influence the compressive strength of SFRHSC the most. ► Steel fiber volume fraction influences the compressive strength of SFRHSC the least. ► The compressive strength of SFRHSC directly increases with the amount of silica fume. This paper illustrates parameter optimization of compressive strength of steel fiber reinforced high strength concrete (SFRHSC) by statistical design and analysis of experiments. Among several factors affecting the compressive strength, five parameters that maximize all of the responses have been chosen as the most important ones as age of testing, binder type, binder amount, curing type and steel fiber volume fraction. Taguchi analysis techniques have been used to evaluate L27 (313) Taguchi’s orthogonal array experimental design results. Signal to noise ratio transformation and ANOVA have been applied to the results of experiments in Taguchi analysis. The confirmation runs were conducted for the optimal parameter level combination, which is obtained from the results of the above methodologies. The maximum compressive strength has been observed as around 124MPa. By using the optimal parameter level combination, the direct tensile strength and flexural strength tests have been conducted. The mean values at the age of 28days are obtained as 7.5MPa and 13MPa respectively. In this study, it is clearly demonstrated that all main factors except steel fiber significantly contribute to the compressive strength of steel fiber reinforced high strength concrete, yet age and binder type are the most significant contributors.