Data-driven optimisation of sustainable high-performance concrete incorporating SCMs, biomass ash, and graphene nanoplatelets

Abstract

The current study outlines an integrated experimental and data-driven methodology of the development of sustainable high-performance concrete, using a hybrid low-carbon binder, which includes fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), thermally treated coir biomass (TTCB) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). M40 grade concrete mixtures were prepared by systematic variation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs, 30% of the total binder), TTCB (5% to 10%) and GNPs dosage (0.08% to 0.12%). Mechanical properties were evaluated at 7 and 28 days, rapid chloride permeability (RCPT), water uptake and residual strength after exposure to 300 °C. The optimised mix delivered a compressive strength of 55 MPa at 28 days, which is approximately 23% greater than the control mix (44-45 MPa at 28 days), and chloride permeability 505 C (42% lower) and water absorption 2.8% (40% lower), respectively. Retention of strength following exposure to 300 °C was above 80%, which means that the thermal stability was improved. Microstructural examinations confirmed refined pore structure, lower content of portlandite and enhanced interfacial bonding. The 60 experimental observations based on replicated specimens in 10 mix designs were trained on Random Forest, XGBoost and CNN LSTM models. XGBoost had the best predictive accuracy (R² > 0.95 to predict strength), and the permutation-importance analysis revealed TTCB content and SCMs balance to be the most important predictors. Multi-objective optimisation (NSGA-II and MOEA/D) was used to produce trade-offs between strength, durability, embodied CO₂ and cost within the constrained experimental space. The suggested surrogate-assisted optimisation model offers a repeatable approach to eco-efficient concrete mix design at limited laboratory conditions.