journal article·2025-10-01Open access

Explainable machine learning-based prediction of plate-end debonding in fiber-reinforced polymer-strengthened reinforced concrete beams

Songtao Li, Shike Zhang, Baolin Wang, Yanlong Gao, Yong Yu

AIP Advances· Volume 15· Issue 10

Abstract

This study investigates plate-end (PE) debonding in reinforced concrete beams strengthened with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. PE debonding is a critical failure mode that compromises the effectiveness and structural performance of FRP reinforcement systems. Although FRP has been widely adopted in structural rehabilitation for its high strength and corrosion resistance, PE debonding—often initiated by shear or inclined cracks—remains a persistent challenge. Conventional computational models for predicting this failure mechanism exhibit limited accuracy due to the complex nonlinear interactions among influencing parameters. To overcome these limitations, this research applies machine learning techniques, with an emphasis on explainable artificial intelligence methods such as Shapley additive explanations, to build more reliable predictive models. A comprehensive database is developed incorporating key variables governing PE debonding, and various machine learning algorithms are trained, validated, and benchmarked against existing code-based models. Furthermore, parameter importance and sensitivity analyses are conducted to improve interpretability and provide insights for advancing the design and application of FRP-reinforced structures.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete · Concrete Corrosion and Durability · Innovative concrete reinforcement materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

College of Railway Engineering, Zhengzhou Railway Vocational and Technical College 1 , Zhengzhou 450001,

School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Anyang Normal University 2 , Anyang 455000,

Henan Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Digital-Intelligent Building and Low-Carbon Building Materials, Anyang Normal University 3 , Anyang 455000,

Henan Jiaoyuan Engineering Technology Group Co., Ltd. 4 , Zhengzhou 450001,

School of Future Transportation, Guangzhou Maritime University 5 , Guangzhou 510725,

Funding

Henan Province Department of Education Service Industry Development Special Plan · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation · Youth Talent Promotion Project of Henan Province · Special Program for Cultivating Outstanding Young Science and Technology Talents in Zhengzhou City in 2024 · Postdoctoral Research Funding Project of Henan Province in 2023 · Henan Province Science and Technology Research Program · Key Scientific Research Project of Higher Education Institutions in Henan Province

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