Setup for ML-Based Prediction of Concrete Rheology from 3D Slump Test Geometry

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of construction technology, accurately determining the rheological parameters for fresh concrete has become increasingly important, driven by technical advancements and economic considerations. The traditional correlation of standard test methods, such as the slump test and flow table tests, with rheological parameters is a subject of ongoing interest. Established estimations based on slump values and spread diameters are now recognized as having limitations in precision. This has led to a growing interest in non-invasive optical measurement methods, which, along with the widespread availability of standard equipment, could potentially replace costly and complex laboratory tools like rotational rheometers, often absent at construction sites. This paper presents a novel semi-automated approach for efficient collecting and preparing a dataset for machine learning (ML), specifically artificial neural network (ANN) training. This methodology aims to predict key rheological parameters of fresh concrete from its overall 3D slump geometry. The method involves conducting standard slump tests and measuring rheological parameters using a rotational rheometer across a comprehensive set of mixtures. These tests are paired with capturing the 3D geometry of the slumps. Each slump is also subjected to dynamic action on a standard flow table, followed by 3D scanning. Automation is achieved through 3D photogrammetric reconstruction using a gantry printer-mounted camera, which continuously captures images around the slump. A scripted process then transforms coordinates and slices 3D models to derive an array of height and diameter pairs, representing the slump's geometry before and after dynamic action. Automating geometric data collection and processing boosts robustness and overcomes manual acquisition challenges, enhancing scalability and reproducibility of the method. The slump geometries are prepared to be further used as training data, with yield stress and viscosity serving as the training targets.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFourth RILEM International Conference on Concrete and Digital Fabrication
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages174 - 181
Number of pages8
ISBN (electronic)978-3-031-70031-6
ISBN (print)978-3-031-70030-9
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesRILEM Bookseries
Volume53
ISSN2211-0844

Conference

Title4th RILEM International Conference on Concrete and Digital Fabrication
SubtitleDigital Concrete 2024
Abbreviated titleDC 2024
Conference number4
Duration4 - 6 September 2024
LocationScience Congress Center Munich
CityMünchen
CountryGermany

External IDs

Scopus 85203058867
ORCID /0000-0002-3999-5186/work/168719021

Keywords