Optimization of a Self-Compacting Paste Based on Glass Powder Using Mixture Design and the Desirability Function

Abstract

The partial replacement of cement by supplementary cementitious materials is an opportunity for reducing fossil energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, forty (40) pastes were formulated by applying a 4-factor mixture plan, consisting of cement, glass powder (GP), superplasticizer and water. Third order models “special cubic” established for the flow time, spreading diameter, and flow velocity, responses were statistically significant. The analysis of the models allowed the study of the individual and combined effects of the different factors, highlighting the predominant effect of the superplasticizer on the dispersion GP fines. The multi-criteria optimization allowed the development of two optimal pastes SCP1 and SCP2 incorporating 25 and 7% GP, respectively. SCP1 was chosen because at this GP amount, unlike at 28 days, the paste presents the best strengths at 90 days with 4.5% increase for flexural tensile strength and 15.69% increase for compressive strength while maintaining satisfactory workability.