Multi-response optimization of polymer blended concrete: A TOPSIS based Taguchi application

• In order to determine optimal mixture proportions of polymer blended concrete, a TOPSIS based Taguchi optimization was applied.
• Reaching the desired level of heat insulation on an acceptable level of compressive strength was achieved with the multi-response optimization methods.
• Polymer concrete having a lower thermal conductivity of 57.8% according to reference concrete was achieved with a 28th compressive strength loss of only 40.2 via optimization methods.
• Polypropylene was found more attractive option with regards to environmental problem.

Using polymeric materials in the concrete mix may increase the heat insulation of the concrete, but it also causes a decrease in the compressive strength of the concrete. Reaching the desired level of heat insulation on an acceptable level of compressive strength has been achieved with the multi-response optimization methods. With this purpose, TOPSIS based Taguchi method has been used to determine optimal mixture proportions of concrete contains polymers such as high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomer, dimethyl terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate. Polymer blended concrete having a lower thermal conductivity of 57.8% according to reference concrete has been achieved with a 28-day compressive strength loss of 40.2%. Produced polymer blended concrete has a thermal conductivity of 0.70 W/m K and 28-day compressive strength of 36.8 MPa. Furthermore, polypropylene has been found more attractive option with regards to environmental problem. This study provides to eliminate the polymeric materials that cause an environmental problem and ensure energy saving to manufacturer.