Optimized prediction models for faulting failure of Jointed Plain concrete pavement using the metaheuristic optimization algorithms

Abstract

This study aims to predict faulting failure of jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) using different variables. For this purpose, four feature selection methods were developed by combining the artificial neural networks (ANN) and four multi-objective metaheuristic optimization algorithms, namely, the Pareto envelope-based selection algorithm II (PESA-2), the strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm 2 (SPEA-2), multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MPSO), and multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEA/D). The MOEA/D showed better performance compared to the other models, which identified 17 input variables affecting faulting failure. In the next step, the classic back-propagation (BP), Biogeography-based optimization (BBO), invasive weed optimization (IWO), and simulated annealing algorithm (SAA) were combined with the ANN to develop three prediction models for faulting failure. Modeling with metaheuristic optimization algorithms showed better performance than the ordinary ANN. The pavement age, cumulative average precipitation, and elasticity modulus of the concrete slab have the most significant impact on the formation and increase of faulting.