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The main objective of the research study described herein is to build two analytical models based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) and the statistical mixture design (SMD) method to predict the required performance of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Two different curing conditions—heat treatment and water storage—were applied to the specimens. To train the neural network, a total set of 53 different mixtures was designed based on the design matrix of SMD. The statistical analysis results showed the adequacy of both models to predict the required performance of UHPC; however, the ANN model could predict the compressive strength (water storage) and slump flow with higher accuracy than the SMD. The optimum combination of the cement, silica fume, and quartz flour was determined to be 24, 9, and 5% by total volume to achieve a flowable mixture with the highest compressive strength. The accuracy of the model was verified with additional experimental tests.
Ghafari et al. (2015) studied this question.