Development of a graphical user interface for determining the optimal mixture parameters of normal weight concretes: A response surface methodology based quadratic programming approach

• This paper proposes a graphical user interface for determining mixture proportions of concrete.
• The RSM based on quadratic programming optimization methodologies has been used.
• Real case studies are solved to test the performance of the proposed graphical user interface.

The optimization of a normal weight concrete mixture proportions for determination of the desired concrete quality is an important issue for concrete manufacturers and users. In this study, the constrained quadratic programming methodology is based on meta-models developed by using response surface methodology for determining optimal normal weight concrete mixture proportions. We developed a graphical user interface to take the burden of numerous experiments and complex mathematical calculations away from laboratory experts and manufacturers. However, we developed a graphical user interface based on MATLAB® toolbox which allows performing optimization of normal weight concrete mixture proportions interactively. The GUI was tested through real case studies and satisfactorily results were obtained. The results showed that developed graphical user interface was functional, effective and flexible in solving the optimization problems of normal weight concrete mixture proportions.