Performances of Structural Concrete: Data-Driven Analysis Using AI, Numerical and Experimental Investigation

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 July 2025 | Viewed by 2168

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
Interests: numerical modelling; concrete structures; AI applications; data-driven analysis and experimental work

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Guest Editor
School of Engineering & Construction, Oryx Universal College in Partnership with Liverpool John Moores, Doha P.O. Box 12253, Qatar
Interests: soft computing techniques; machine learning; green goncrete; recycle material; composite material; plate theories; timber structures

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The advent of advanced analytical techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the field of structural concrete performance analysis. This Special Issue focuses on integrating data-driven methodologies, numerical simulations, and experimental investigations to enhance the understanding and prediction of structural concrete behaviours. Leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms, researchers can now process vast datasets to identify patterns and predict the performance of concrete structures under various conditions with unprecedented accuracy.

Numerical methods, including finite element analysis, complement these data-driven approaches by providing detailed insights into concrete's mechanical properties and failure mechanisms. Experimental investigations remain crucial, offering empirical data to validate and refine computational models and AI predictions. By synergising these approaches, this issue aims to address the complexities of concrete performance, such as durability, strength, and resilience under dynamic loads. Contributions to this issue encompass a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to, AI-based predictive modelling, advancements in numerical techniques, innovative experimental methodologies, and case studies demonstrating practical applications. This multidisciplinary approach enhances the predictive capabilities and reliability of structural concrete analyses and paves the way for developing smarter, more resilient infrastructure. Through this compilation, we seek to foster deeper understanding and inspire innovative solutions in structural concrete performance.

Dr. Rwayda Kh S. Al-Hamd
Dr. Asad S. Albostami
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • artificial intelligence
  • machine learning
  • analytical techniques
  • numerical methods
  • finite element analysis
  • concrete
  • experimental investigations

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

25 pages, 5570 KiB  
Article
Data-Driven Predictive Modeling of Steel Slag Concrete Strength for Sustainable Construction
by Asad S. Albostami, Rwayda Kh. S. Al-Hamd and Ali Ammar Al-Matwari
Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2476; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082476 - 10 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1701
Abstract
Conventional concrete causes significant environmental problems, including resource depletion, high CO2 emissions, and high energy consumption. Steel slag aggregate (SSA), a by-product of the steelmaking industry, offers a sustainable alternative due to its environmental benefits and improved mechanical properties. This study examined [...] Read more.
Conventional concrete causes significant environmental problems, including resource depletion, high CO2 emissions, and high energy consumption. Steel slag aggregate (SSA), a by-product of the steelmaking industry, offers a sustainable alternative due to its environmental benefits and improved mechanical properties. This study examined the predictive power of four modeling techniques—Gene Expression Programming (GEP), an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest Regression (RFR), and Gradient Boosting (GB)—to predict the compressive strength (CS) of SSA concrete. Using 367 datasets from the literature, six input variables (cement, water, granulated furnace slag, superplasticizer, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and age) were utilized to predict compressive strength. The models’ performance was evaluated using statistical measures such as the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error (RMSE), mean values, and coefficient of determination (R2). Results indicated that the GB model consistently outperformed RFR, GEP, and the ANN, achieving the highest R2 values of 0.99 and 0.96 for the training and testing dataset, respectively, followed by RFR with R2 values of 0.97 (training) and 0.93 (testing), GEP with R2 values of 0.85 (training) and 0.87 (testing), and ANN with R2 values of 0.61 (training) and 0.82 (testing). Additionally, the GB model had the lowest MAE values of 0.79 MPa (training) and 2.61 MPa (testing) and RMSE values of 1.90 MPa (training) and 3.95 MPa (testing). This research aims to advance predictive modeling in sustainable construction through analysis and well-defined conclusions. Full article
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