Mechanical Properties Optimization and Simulation of Soil–Saw Dust Ash Blend Using Extreme Vertex Design (EVD) Method.

This experimental investigation involves adaptation of constrained simplex mixture design optimization technique for modeling of the mechanical behavior of soil–saw dust ash (SDA) which is a derivative from industrial byproducts to provide efficient waste management practices. The soil enhancement protocols deployed were to improve its engineering properties for pavement foundation purposes. The statistical analyses engaged in this research study were achieved using Design Expert software for the formulation and imposition of the components constraints, derivation of the mixture experimental runs and design proportions of ingredients. The experimental responses obtained from the laboratory works showed a maximum unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) results of 248 kN/m2 and 35% with mixture fraction of 0.875:0.125 for soil and SDA two component mixture respectively. For the investigation and development of the Extreme Vertex Design (EVD)-model, information from experimental exercises was used. The procedures included statistical assessment, ANOVA, diagnostic tests, and influence statistics, as well as numerical optimization utilizing the desirability function to examine the datasets. Desirability score of 1.0 was derived at a mix ratio of 0.8125: 0.1875 for the two components of soil–SDA to produce maximized CBR and UCS response of 35.053% and 257.152 kN/m2 respectively. Furthermore, the adequacy of the model generated was assessed by statistical validation and simulation exercises using student's t-test and F-test with P(T < = t) one-tail of 0.490 and 0.499 for F-test and P(F< = f) two-tail of 0.960 and 0.977 for t-test calculated for CBR and UCS responses, respectively. The calculated statistical results with P-value > 0.05 signified that there is no significant difference between the actual and EVD-model simulated results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]