Computer Software Program for On-Line Process Control of Production of Portland - Cement Concrete.

Abstract : This report presents the results of a research program to develop a computer software program, SmartPlant, which could reduce the cost of concrete mixtures and increase construction productivity by minimizing the adverse effects of materials and mixture variations upon construction operations. SmartPlant is comprised of five component programs. Most attention was given to seeMIX, the mixture proportioning program. A laboratory evaluation of this program was conducted in which simulated paving, structural, and mass concrete mixtures were proportioned using current American Concrete Institute (ACI) proportioning practices and seeMIX technology. Two field evaluations of seeMIX were also conducted. SeeMAT-A, the aggregate database program, was also evaluated under field conditions on two occasions. SeeMAT-C, the cement database program, and seeMAT-P, the pozzolan database program, were evaluated in the laboratory. SeeSTAT, the statistical database program was not evaluated. The results indicated that seeMIX mixture proportioning technology can proportion concrete mixtures having fresh and hardened properties equal to, and in some instances superior to, current ACI proportioning practices when richer mixtures, such as those used in paving or structural applications, are being proportioned. SeeMIX was less effective in proportioning lean mass concrete mixtures. SeeMAT-A, seeMAT-C, and seeMAT-P performed well and were judged to be useful tools, both as components of SmartPlant and as stand-alone tools. While the individual components of SmartPlant were evaluated, numerous logistical and technical problems prevented the evaluation of a fully automated SmartPlant system either in the laboratory or the field.