Modelling the early strength of alkali-activated cement composites containing palm oil fuel ash

Palm oil fuel ash (Pofa) and polyvinyl alcohol fibres were used to make an alkali-activated cementitious composite mortar, which was then tested. Based on the test results, a support vector regression model was developed to estimate the effect of the alkaline activator/Pofa ratio on early compressive strength at different added water contents. The results from the model show that the mortar strength increased as the sodium silicate+sodium hydroxide/Pofa ratio increased up to an optimum, after which the strength declined considerably. The sodium hydroxide molarity and added water were also found to have a significant effect on strength. Excellent agreement was found between the model results and test results. The precision and accuracy of the developed model show its potential for reducing the challenges of acquiring experimental data.