Feasibility analysis for predicting the compressive and tensile strength of concrete using machine learning algorithms

Concrete is the most utilized material (i.e., average production of 2 billion tons per year) for the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and several other important infrastructures. The strength and durability of these structures largely depend on the compressive strength of the concrete. The compressive strength of concrete depends on the proportionality of the key constituents (i.e., fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, cement, and water). However, the optimization of the constituent proportions (i.e., matrix design) to achieve high-strength concrete is a challenging task. Furthermore, it is essential to reduce the carbon footprint of the cementitious composites through the optimization of the matrix. In this research, machine learning algorithms including regression models, tree regression models, support vector regression (SVR), ensemble regression (ER), and gaussian process regression (GPR) were utilized to predict the compressive and tensile concrete strength. Also, the model performance was characterized based on the number of input variables utilized. The dataset used in this research was compiled from journal publications. The results showed that the exponential GPR had the highest performance and accuracy. The model had an impressive performance during the training phase, with a R2 of 0.98, RMSE of 2.412 MPa, and MAE of 1.6249 MPa when using 8 input variables to predict the compressive strength of concrete. In the testing phase, the model maintained its accuracy with a R2 of 0.99, RMSE of 0.0025134 MPa, and MAE of 0.0016367 MPa. In the training and testing phases, the exponential GPR also demonstrated high accuracy in predicting the tensile strength with an R2, RMSE, and MAE of 0.99, 0.00049247 MPa, and 0.00036929 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, in the prediction of tensile strength the number of variables utilized had an insignificant effect on the performance of the models. However, in predicting the compressive strength, an increase in the number of input variables lead to an enhancement in the performance metrics. The results of this research can allow for the quick and accurate prediction of the strength of a given concrete mixture design.