Support vector machines in structural engineering: a review

Abstract

Recent development in data processing systems had directed study and research of engineering towards the creation of intelligent systems to evolve models for a wide range of engineering problems. In this respect, several modeling techniques have been created to simulate various civil engineering systems. This study aims to review the studies on support vector machines (SVM) in structural engineering and investigate the usability of this machine learning based approach by providing three case studies focusing on structural engineering problems. Firstly, the concept of SVM is explained and then, the recent studies on the application of SVM in structural engineering are summarized and discussed. Next, we performed three case studies using the experimental studies provided. Applicability of SVM in structural engineering is confirmed by these case studies. The results showed that SVM is superior to various other learning techniques considering the generalization capability of produced model.

Keywords:

• support vector machines
• statistical learning
• structural engineering
• ultimate load capacity
• FRP reinforcement
• SFRC corbels
• haunched beams

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Abdulkadir Çevik

Abdulkadir ÇEVIK. PhD. Associate Professor at Civil Engineering Department, University of Gaziantep, Turkey. At present, he is a Vice Dean of Engineering Faculty. He published several articles focusing on soft computing techniques. His research interests include structural mechanics, soft computing and artificial intelligence.

Ahmet Emin Kurtoğlu

Ahmet Emin KURTOĞLU. Teaching and Research Assistant at Zirve University, Gaziantep, Turkey. He is MSc degree holder of Civil Engineering Department. Also, he is a PhD candidate at Civil Engineering Department, University of Gaziantep. His research interests are mechanics of materials, fiber reinforced polymers, reliability analysis and soft computing.

Mahmut Bilgehan

Mahmut BILGEHAN. PhD. Associate Professor at Civil Engineering Department, Zirve University, Gaziantep, Turkey. He is the chair of Civil Engineering Department. His research interests are artificial intelligence, soft computing and reinforced concrete structures.

Mehmet Eren Gülşan

Mehmet Eren GÜLŞAN. Teaching and Research Assistant at University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey. He is also a PhD candidate at Civil Engineering Department, University of Gaziantep. His research interests are mechanics of materials, steel fiber reinforced concrete, reliability analysis and soft computing.

Hasan M. Albegmprli

Hasan M. ALBEGMPRLI. PhD candidate at Civil Engineering Department, University of Gaziantep. His research interests are mechanics of materials, fiber reinforced polymers, reliability analysis and haunched beams.