A data-driven prediction for concrete crack propagation path based on deep learning method

Accurate and efficient prediction of concrete crack propagation path facilitates timely maintenance. To avoid errors arising from assumptions in physical models and parameter measurements, a data-driven prediction method for concrete crack propagation path is proposed. The spatio-temporal prediction approach is presented by unifying the conditional Generative Adversarial Network and Long Short-Term Memory Network (UcGLS-Net). The UcGLS-Net has the advantage of enabling temporal (by Long Short-Term Memory Network, LSTM) and spatial information (by the conditional Generative Adversarial Network, cGAN) in the concrete crack propagation process to be treated simultaneously and distinctly thus improving prediction accuracy. Notably, results demonstrate that UcGLS-Net still works in crack propagation path prediction even with unknown aggregate distribution. Moreover, the effects of historical input quantity and prediction intervals on prediction accuracy of the UcGLS-Net are studied and the network framework is optimized. Due to high efficiency, this study provides a new adaptable and real-time prediction method for concrete crack propagation path, offering support for the design, damage prediction, assessment, and maintenance of concrete structures. • The data-driven UcGLS-Net is proposed for path prediction of crack propagation. • The method is based on deep learning approaches for spatio-temporal sequence prediction. • It avoids errors from assumptions in physical models and parameter measurement. • It still works even only with historical crack paths under unknown aggregate distribution.