Computer-aided concrete-placement optimization

This paper describes an enumeration method that considers both material costs and time-delay penalties to minimize the total cost of a concrete pour subject to quality and time constraints. A wide variety of placement alternatives can be considered for each pour. The method uses the concrete-maturity method to determine if particular concrete mix and placement combinations are feasible. The method was implemented in conjunction with a commercially available concrete strength and maturity development monitoring and simulation program. This software implementation is called the Economic Optimization Module (EOM). The EOM finds the most desirable combination of concrete mixes, concrete starting temperatures, formwork types, and curing/insulation materials for a variety of pour characteristics, weather conditions, and time requirements. Cost minimization is performed subject to quality and time constraints provided by the user. The system uses a data base of concrete mixes, concrete starting temperatures, soil types, soil temperatures, formwork types, and curing/insulation types.