Estimating strength properties of geopolymer self-compacting concrete using machine learning techniques

tThere has been a persistent drive for sustainable development in the concrete industry.While there are series of encouraging experimental research outputs, yet the research fieldrequires a standard framework for the material development. In this study, the strengthcharacteristics of geopolymer self-compacting concrete made by addition of mineral admix-tures, have been modelled with both genetic programming (GEP) and the artificial neuralnetworks (ANN) techniques. The study adopts a 12M sodium hydroxide and sodium sili-cate alkaline solution of ratio to fly ash at 0.33 for geopolymer reaction. In addition to theconventional material (river sand), fly ash was partially replaced with silica fume and gran-ulated blast furnace slag. Various properties of the concrete, filler ability and passing abilityof fresh mixtures, and compressive, split-tensile and flexural strength of hardened concretewere determined. The model development involved using raw materials and fresh mix prop-erties as predictors, and strength properties as response. Results shows that the use of theadmixtures enhanced both the fresh and hardened properties of the concrete. Both GEP andANN methods exhibited good prediction of the experimental data, with minimal errors.However, GEP models can be preferred as simple equations are developed from the process,while ANN is only a predictor

Competitiveness level in clusters. Nature tourism initiative case in atlantico, Colombia

This paper presents the application of a competitiveness measurement methodology for the nature tourism initiative in Atlántico, Colombia. Results indicate that cluster initiative is in a early undeveloped stage, based on intensive use of traditional factors, highlighting problems such as the lack of infrastructure, untrained human talent, lack of a defined offer and lack of promotion activities. Likewise, an analysis is made of the contributions of the analyzed actors through data mining tools, which shows great coherence between problems and opportunities for the initiative development.Este trabajo presenta los resultados de la aplicación de una metodología de medición de competitividad para la iniciativa de turismo de naturaleza en Atlántico, Colombia. Los resultados señalan que la iniciativa clúster se encuentra en una etapa incipiente, basada en el uso intensivo de factores tradicionales, destacándose problemas como la falta de infraestructura, talento humano no capacitado, falta de una oferta definida y falta de actividades de promoción. De igual forma se realiza un análisis de los aportes de los actores analizados a través de herramientas de minería de datos, la cual muestra una gran coherencia en cuanto a los problemas y oportunidades para el desarrollo de la iniciativa

Mechanical and durability properties of recycled aggregate concrete with ternary binder system and optimized mix proportion

tThis study aimed to investigate the mechanical and durability properties of recycled aggre-gate concrete with a ternary binder system and optimized mix proportion. Two concretebatches were developed using a densified mix design approach (DMDA) to evaluate therequired mix proportions. Batch I have GGBS content varied at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and50% at constant w/b ratio of 0.45, while batch II concrete mix have varied water/binder ratios:0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45 and 0.5 at constant GGBS replacement level of 30%. The fine aggregate(river sand) of the two batches was blended with fly ash at optimum loose packing density(FA + Sand) and superplasticizer (SP) was incorporated in the mix at a constant level of 1.4%.A control mix comprising of natural aggregate was also developed. The results obtainedshowcased the feasibility of producing structural concrete with recycled aggregates usingGGBS and fly ash. The mechanical and durability properties were best at 30% GGBS content and 0.35 water/binder ratio. The DMDA for mix proportion adopted for RAC contributed sig-nificantly to improving its properties when compared to NAC, especially at the optimumobserved RAC mix with compressive strength of 52 MPa. Also, the mix demonstrated goodpermeability resistance in terms of chloride-ion ingress and capillary water absorption

Innovation, technology and user experience in museums: insights from scientific literature

Museums play an important role in preserving the heritage and cultural legacy of humanity, however, one of their main weaknesses in regards the user is their static nature. At present, and in the face of the development of diverse technologies and the ease of access to information, museums have upgraded their implementation of technologies aimed at improving the user experience, trying more and more to access younger audiences with a sensitivity and natural capacity for the management of new technologies. This work identifies trends in the use of technological tools by museums worldwide and the effect of these on the user or visitor experience through a review of scientific literature. To complete the work, we performed a search of the publications in the Scopus® referencing database, and downloaded, processed, and visualized the data using the VOSviewer® tool. The main trends identified in this context of analysis are related to the role of museums with the development and improvement of the user experience; orientation to young audiences and innovation driven by the user through Interactive Systems, digital games, QR Codes, apps, augmented reality, virtual reality and gamification, among others. The objective of the implementation of new technologies in the context of museums is to satisfy the needs of contemporary communication, for all types of content and aimed at an increasingly digital audience, in order to ensure positive interaction and feedback from ideas with social and cultural changes