A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Approaches for Evaluating the Compressive Strength of Pozzolanic Concrete

Abstract

This study leverages machine learning techniques to predict pozzolanic concrete's compressive strength accurately. Using artificial neural networks (ANN), random forest (RF), and gradient boosting regressor (GBR) models trained on a dataset of 482 samples, the study divides the data into 70% training and 30% testing subsets with seven input parameters. Model performance is assessed through metrics like coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The RF model excels, achieving R² values of 0.976 in training and 0.964 in testing, along with the lowest RMSE (2.84 MPa) and MAE (2.05 MPa) during training and RMSE values of 7.81 MPa and MAE values of 5.89 MPa during testing, demonstrating superior predictive accuracy. Sensitivity analysis highlights the pivotal role of cement as an input parameter, contributing significantly to the model's accuracy. Employing K-fold cross-validation confirms the RF model's robustness with an average R² value of 0.959. This research underscores the RF model's reliability and effectiveness in forecasting pozzolanic concrete compressive strength, with practical applications for concrete optimization and construction practices, establishing it as the preferred choice compared to other machine learning models.

IUBAT Review—A Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, 7(1): 90-122