Performance evaluation of dry-pressed concrete curbs with variable cement grades by using Taguchi method

Producing concrete curb with improved properties is crucial nowadays. The two important factors of lifetime and mechanical properties can impact curb construct. Specifically, porosity is a parameter influencing durability of curb construct while compressive strength and flexural strength are the elements affecting mechanical properties of curb construct. This study conducted an experimental study to statistically investigate the prominence of porosity, and compressive and flexural strength on dry-pressed concrete curbs (DPC). To this end, 27 mix designs of (DPC) were prepared based on three cement strength grades of 32.5, 42.5 and 52.5 MPa. Water-to-cement ratio (w/c) (0.2, 0.25 and 0.3) and cement content (300, 350 and 450kg/m(3)) were considered as the main parameters of the experiments. The statistical properties of the factors were assessed using Taguchi method. The results of Taguchi method revealed that specimen construct with 0.2 of w/c, 400 (kg/m(3)) cement content, and strength grade of 52.5 MPa had the maximum compressive strength of DPC. It was also found that cement strength grade affects its mechanical properties. (C) 2016 Ain Shams University.