Artificial Neural Networks for Civil Engineers

Book excerpt: Sponsored by the Committee on Expert Systems and Artificial Intelligence of the Technical Council on Computer Practices of ASCE. This report illustrates advanced methods and new developments in the application of artificial neural networks to solve problems in civil engineering.Ø Topics include: Øevaluating new construction technologies; Øusing multi-layeredØartificial neural networkØarchitecture to overcome problems with conventional traffic signal control systems; Øincreasing the computational efficiency of an optimization model; Øpredicting carbonation depth in concrete structures; Ødetecting defects in concrete piles; Øanalyzing pavement systems; Øusing neural network hybrids to select the most appropriate bidders for a construction project; and Øpredicting the Energy Performance Index of residential buildings. ØMany of the ideas and techniques discussed in this book cross across disciplinary boundaries and, therefore, should be of interest to all civil engineers.