Slope stability evaluation using neural network optimized by equilibrium optimization and vortex search algorithm

A dependable evaluation of the stability of slopes is a prerequisite in many construction projects. Although machine learning models have been satisfactorily used for this purpose, combining them with metaheuristic optimizers has resulted in a larger accuracy. This study, therefore, suggests the use of equilibrium optimization (EO) and vortex search algorithm (VSA) for optimizing a multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) employed to anticipate the factor of safety of a single-layer soil slope. Two hybrid models, as well as the regular MLPNN, are fed by a total of 630 data acquired from finite element simulations. The results, first, showed the applicability of artificial intelligence in this field. Next, reducing the training root mean square error (RMSE) of the MLPNN (from 0.4715 to 0.3891 and 0.4383 by the EO and VSA, respectively) revealed the efficiency of the used algorithms in remedying the computational weaknesses of this model. Moreover, the testing RMSE declined from 0.5397 to 0.4129 and 0.5155, which indicates a higher generalization ability of the hybrid models. Furthermore, due to the larger accuracy of the EO-based ensemble, this algorithm outperformed the VSA in optimizing the MLPNN.