A glimpse into cost-effective concrete production: fuzzy optimization of the flexural strength and admixture costs of laterite-infused concrete

• Fuzzy optimization of concrete mixes to find the optimal flexural strength • Optimal flexural strength and cost relationship • The fuzzy optimum was found to be 5.40 MPa • Overall degree of satisfaction was found to be 73% • Total admixture costs incurred was 23.68 USD/m 3 Construction is an integral part of the development of countries for urban development. In terms of resource consumption, concrete is only second to water in the world. This high demand for concrete causes several problems if production is not done properly. Materials for concrete production could be supplemented by more readily available, cost-effective, or sustainable alternatives to reduce the concerns that come from the production of concrete. The potential flaw of this approach is that more sustainable concrete does not entail improved cost efficiency. Fuzzy optimization models can simultaneously consider the key mechanical property of flexural strength and the amounts and costs of additives and replacement components such as laterite aggregates, fly ash, sisal fibers, and superplasticizers. This study found that the ideal concrete mix contained 297.5 kg/m 3 of laterite aggregates, 17.5 kg/m 3 of fly ash, 9.94 kg/m 3 of sisal fiber, and 5.6 kg/m 3 of superplasticizer. This study found a 4.05 % increase in flexural strength compared to a previous study, and an admixture cost decrease of 44.43 %. The novelty of the study comes from the fuzzy optimization framework that allows for consideration of flexural strength and its associated costs, which is uncommonly found in literature about concrete mix production. Incorporating cost computations allows for a more relevant study of the admixtures used in concrete production. The study is ideal for concrete production industries that aim to promote the use of alternatives while not compromising cost-effectiveness.