Prediction of cement-based mortars compressive strength using machine learning techniques

The application of artificial neural networks in mapping the mechanical characteristics of the cement-based materials is underlined in previous investigations. However, this machine learning technique includes several major deficiencies highlighted in the literature, such as the overfitting problem and the inability to explain the decisions. Hence, the present study investigates the applicability of other common machine learning techniques, i.e., support vector machine, random forest (RF), decision tree, AdaBoost and k-nearest neighbors in mapping the behavior of the compressive strength (CS) of cement-based mortars. To this end, a big experimental database has been compiled based on experimental data available in the literature considering, namely the cement grade, which is an important parameter for the modeling of mortar’s CS. Other important parameters are namely the age, the water-to-binder ratio, the particle size distribution of the sand and the amount of plasticizer. Many models based on the influential factors affecting machine learning techniques have been developed, and their prediction capacities have been assessed using performance indexes. The present research highlights the potential of AdaBoost and RF models as useful tools which can assist in mortar design and/or optimization. In addition, mapping the development of mortar characteristics can assist in revealing the influence of the different mortar mix parameters on the compressive strength.