AUTOMATION OF A MIX PROPORTIONING METHOD DEVELOPED FOR CONCRETES WITH INDIGENOUS MATERIALS OF PAKISTAN USING KNOWLEDGE-BASED GUIS IN MATLAB

摘要

The development of intelligent computational tools provides new opportunities to exploit various potentialities of computers. At present, automated computing is the main means for the application of engineering knowledge. The growth and development in the application of computing tools and technologies, and the development of new paradigms has been incremental and linear. Many fields have taken significant advantage of the recent advancements in computing technology to adapt, apply and enhance the way people learn these fields. In this paper, a framework for developing efficient knowledge-based computational applications is presented with an actual case study of concrete mixture proportioning. Recommendations are also developed targeting the possible employment and application of latest computing technologies in concrete engineering. The presented case study comprises of developing a computer application for a recently developed novel mix design method for Pakistan based on empirical results established as a result of a detailed testing program. The experimental testing details and results for development and validation are presented in a separate study. Regression analysis results, design flowcharts and necessary calculations are implemented in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) in MATLAB R2009a environment which is designed as a self-explanatory program providing an easier and friendly platform to compute constituent quantities, adjust various trials and understand the art of mix design. The interface is developed in a simple and interactive manner for convenient visualization of complete step-by-step process of mixture proportioning, aiming not only to provide an easy tool for what-if analysis, but also to generate a learning attitude among the end users. The interface is also equipped with necessary help notes, attractive and self-explanatory interactive graphics and description for each dialog box. A parametric study attempting to comment on the effect of changing various desired characteristics on recommended constituent quantities is also carried out using this program and is also presented.