A ChatGPT-MATLAB framework for numerical modeling in geotechnical engineering applications

Abstract

ChatGPT has recently emerged as a representative of Large Language Models (LLMs) that have brought evolutionary changes to our society, and the effectiveness of ChatGPT in various applications has been increasingly reported. This study aimed to explore the potential of employing programming performance driven by ChatGPT responses to conversational prompts in the field of geotechnical engineering. The tested examples included the analysis of seepage flow and slope stability, and the image processing of X-ray computed tomographic image for partially saturated sand. For each case, the prompt was initially fed by a narrative explanation of the problem attributes such as geometry, initial conditions, and boundary conditions to generate the MATLAB code that was in turn executed to evaluate the correctness and functionality. Any errors and unanticipated results were further refined by additional prompts until the correct outcome was achieved. ChatGPT was able to generate the numerical code at a considerable level, demonstrating creditable awareness of the refining process, when meticulous prompts were provided based on a comprehensive understanding of given problems. While ChatGPT may not be able to replace the entire process of programming, it can help minimize sloppy syntax errors and assist in designing a basic framework for logical programming.