METHODS FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN EXISTING CONCRETE COMPOSITION IS OVERDESIGNED
First Claim
1. A method of determining whether an existing concrete composition having a given design strength and given ratio of components is overdesigned without having to (i) prepare a concrete test sample, (ii) allow it to harden, (iii) test its actual strength, and (iv) compare the actual strength of the test sample with the given design strength, the method comprising:
- determining an apparent design K factor for the existing concrete composition based on the given design strength of the concrete composition and the given ratio of components within the concrete composition; and
comparing the apparent design K factor with a more optimal K factor that corresponds to the given design strength and which is selected from among a plurality of different K factors that vary with varying concrete strength.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Design optimization methods can be used to design concrete mixtures having optimized properties, including desired strength and slump at minimal cost. The design optimization methods use a computer-implemented process that is able to design and virtually “test” millions of hypothetical concrete compositions using mathematical algorithms that interrelate a number of variables that affect strength, slump, cost and other desired features. The design optimization procedure utilizes a constant K (or K factor) within Feret'"'"'s strength equation that varies (e.g., logarithmically) with concrete strength for any given set of raw material inputs and processing equipment. That means that the binding efficiency or effectiveness of hydraulic cement increases with increasing concentration so long as the concrete remains optimized. The knowledge of how the K factor varies with binding efficiency and strength is a powerful tool that can be applied in multiple circumstances. A concrete manufacturing process may include accurately measuring the raw materials to minimize variation between predicted and actual strength, as well as carefully controlling water content throughout the manufacturing and delivery process.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of determining whether an existing concrete composition having a given design strength and given ratio of components is overdesigned without having to (i) prepare a concrete test sample, (ii) allow it to harden, (iii) test its actual strength, and (iv) compare the actual strength of the test sample with the given design strength, the method comprising:
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determining an apparent design K factor for the existing concrete composition based on the given design strength of the concrete composition and the given ratio of components within the concrete composition; and
comparing the apparent design K factor with a more optimal K factor that corresponds to the given design strength and which is selected from among a plurality of different K factors that vary with varying concrete strength. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of determining whether a concrete mix design used in manufacturing a concrete composition having a given design strength and given ratio of components is overdesigned without having to (i) prepare a concrete test sample, (ii) allow it to harden, (iii) test its actual strength, and (iv) compare the actual strength of the test sample with the given design strength, the method comprising:
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determining an apparent design K factor for the concrete mix design based on the given design strength of the concrete composition and the given ratio of components within the concrete composition; and
comparing the apparent design K factor with a more optimal K factor that corresponds to the given design strength and which is selected from among a plurality of different K factors that vary with varying concrete strength. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of determining whether an existing concrete composition having a given design strength is overdesigned without having to (i) prepare a concrete test sample, (ii) allow it to harden, (iii) test its actual strength, and (iv) compare the actual strength of the test sample with the given design strength, the method comprising:
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selecting an optimal design K factor for an optimal concrete composition in which actual strength approximates or equals the given design strength, wherein the optimal design K factor is selected from among a plurality of different optimal K factors that vary with varying concrete strength;
determining an apparent design K factor for the existing concrete composition based on the given design strength of the concrete composition and a given ratio of hydraulic cement, water and air within a paste fraction of the concrete composition; and
comparing the apparent design K factor with the optimal K factor. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of determining whether a concrete mix design used in manufacturing a concrete composition having a given design strength is overdesigned without having to (i) prepare a concrete test sample, (ii) allow it to harden, (iii) test its actual strength, and (iv) compare the actual strength of the test sample with the given design strength, the method comprising:
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selecting an optimal design K factor for an optimized concrete mix design in which actual strength approximates or equals the given design strength, wherein the optimal design K factor is selected from among a plurality of different optimal K factors that vary with varying concrete strength;
determining an apparent design K factor for the concrete mix design based on the given design strength of the concrete composition and a given ratio of hydraulic cement, water and air within a paste fraction of the concrete composition; and
comparing the apparent design K factor with the optimal K factor. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification