4.7 Article

Optimization of alkali-activated ladle slag composites mix design using taguchi-based TOPSIS method

Journal

CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
Volume 327, Issue -, Pages -

Publisher

ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.126946

Keywords

Ladle slag (LS); Alkali-activated composites; Performance evaluation; Taguchi; TOPSIS

Funding

  1. United Arab Emirates University [31N398, 12N080]

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This study investigates the impact of various parameters on the properties of alkali-activated composites made with unprocessed ladle furnace slag. By using the Taguchi method, a series of experiments were designed, and the optimal mixture proportions were determined using TOPSIS analysis. The results show that the optimum mix can maximize strength and workability or maximize workability and setting time.
This study examines the effect of various parameters on the properties of alkali-activated composites made with unprocessed ladle furnace slag. Taguchi method was used to design the experiments. A total of five factors, each with four levels, were considered, including ladle slag content (LS), alkaline-activator solution-to-binder ratio (AAS/B), sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide ratio (SS/SH), sodium hydroxide molarity (M), and crushed sand replacement by dune sand (CSR). A total of 16 alkali-activated ladle slag mixtures were designed, cast, and tested. The performance responses were the workability, setting time, and compressive strength. To assess the influence of the factors on the responses, Taguchi analysis and ANOVA were employed while determining the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios. Further, TOPSIS analysis was carried out to optimize the mixture proportions of alkali-activated ladle slag composites. The optimum mix entailed 650 kg/m(3) of ladle slag, AAS/B ratio of 0.45, SS/SH of 2, and CSR of 25% to maximize strength and workability. Meanwhile, the optimum mix to maximize workability and setting time included 650 kg/m(3) of ladle slag content, AAS/B ratio of 0.6, SS/SH of 2.5, and CSR of 50%. Anticipated results of the optimum mixes were experimentally verified. Microstructure analysis of the optimum mixes (isothermal calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy) highlighted the accelerated rate of the activation reaction, the amorphous morphology, and the formation of calcium aluminosilicate hydrate gel.

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