Application of Taguchi’s approach in the optimization of mix proportion for Microwave Incinerated Rice Husk Ash Foamed Concrete

In this study mix proportion parameters of lightweight foamed concrete (LWFC) are analyzed by using the Taguchi’s experiment design methodology for optimal design. For that purpose, mixtures are designed in L16 orthogonal array with five factors, namely, Microwave Incinerated Rice Husk Ash (MIRHA) contents, water cementitious ratio (w/c), sand cement ratio (s/c), superplasticizier (SP) content, foam content. The mixtures are tested, both in fresh and hardened states and to meet the entire practical and technical requirement of LWFC. The results are analyzed using the Taguchi experimental design methodology. The best possible levels of mix proportions are determined for maximization through compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, UPV. Dry density, porosity, and water absorption can be really minimized by the proposed optimum mixture proportions.