Crack width in concrete using artificial neural networks

This study presents a method for the use of neural networks for the proper
estimation of crack width in thick concrete elements at the serviceability stress limit
state stated by ACI 318-08. Two kinds of neural networks were used: the radial basis
and the feed forward back propagation neural networks.
A radial basis network typically has three layers: an input layer, a hidden layer, and
a linear output layer. The neurons in the hidden layer contain Gaussian transfer
functions (y =e-x2 ) whose outputs are inversely proportional to the distance from
the center of the neuron.
Feed forward back propagation neural network (FFBP) is a commonly used network.
Several network architectures have been examined. A FFBP neural network with an
architecture was found to give a good estimate for the crack width. The network
consists of an input layer that has six input vectors, three hidden layers with 10
neurons each, and an output layer. A sigmoid transfer function is used for input. The
network was designed using MATLAB software. The ‘‘trainlm’’ training function with
‘‘learngdm’’ adoption learning function was used to train the network.
It was found clearly that the radial basis neural networks gave the best predictions
for the crack width. The second best predictions were obtained using the FFBP neural
networks.
Controlling crack width is very important for concrete structures serving in a harsh
environment to perform their required functions appropriately. Estimating the crack
width in the design stage is the first step in controlling the crack width for concrete
structures in service. This research introduces the use of neural network as a reliable
and accurate tool for the prediction of crack width for both thick and thin reinforced
concrete plates. All the parameters that may contribute to the initiation and
propagation of cracks were considered in the neural network input. The input
parameters included the structural element type, concrete strength, bar diameter,
concrete cover, rebar spacing, and concrete element thickness.