Burst detection using hydraulic data from water distribution systems with artificial neural networks

This paper presents research into the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) for analysis of data from sensors measuring hydraulic parameters (flow and pressure) of the water flow in treated water distribution systems. Two neural architectures (static and time delay) are applied for time series pattern classification from the perspective of detecting leakage. Results are presented using data from an experimental site in a distribution system of a UK water company in which bursts were simulated by hydrant flushing. Field trials have shown how ANNs can be used effectively for a leakage detection task. Both static and time delay ANNs learned patterns of leaks/bursts. The time delay neural network showed improved performance over the static network. It is concluded that the effectiveness of an ANN in discovering relationships within the data is dependent upon two key factors: availability of sufficient exemplars and data quality.     

Backfilling missing microbial concentrations in a riverine database using artificial neural networks

Predicting peak pathogen loadings can provide a basis for watershed and water treatment plant management decisions that can minimize microbial risk to the public from contact or ingestion. Artificial neural network models (ANN) have been successfully applied to the complex problem of predicting peak pathogen loadings in surface waters. However, these data-driven models require substantial, multiparameter databases upon which to train, and missing input values for pathogen indicators must often be estimated. In this study, ANN models were evaluated for backfilling values for individual observations of indicator bacterial concentrations in a river from 44 other related physical, chemical, and bacteriological data contained in a multi-year database. The ANN modeling approach provided slightly superior predictions of actual microbial concentrations when compared to conventional imputation and multiple linear regression models. The ANN model provided excellent classification of 300 randomly selected, individual data observations into two defined ranges for fecal coliform concentrations with 97% overall accuracy. The application of the relative strength effect (RSE) concept for selection of input variables for ANN modeling and an approach for identifying anomalous data observations utilizing cross validation with ANN model are also presented.     

人工神经元网络在暖通空调系统中的应用

概略介绍了人工神经元网络的结构的反向传播算法的特点,着重从控制、建模和优化方面阐述了人工神经元网络在暖通空调系统中的应用。     

Modeling construction processes using artificial neural networks

The paper evaluates a neural network approach to modeling the dynamics of construction processes that exhibit both discrete and stochastic behavior, providing an alternative to the more conventional method of discrete-event simulation. The incentive for developing the technique is its potential for (i) facilitating model development in situations where there is limited theory describing the dependence between component processes; and (ii) rapid execution of a simulation through parallel processing. The alternative ways in which neural networks can be used to model construction processes are reviewed and their relative merits are identified. The most promising approach, a recursive method of dynamic modeling, is examined in a series of experiments. These involve the application of the technique to two classes of earthmoving system, the first comprising a push-dozer and a fleet of scrapers, and the second a loader and fleet of haul trucks. The viability of the neural network approach is demonstrated in terms of its ability to model the discrete and stochastic behavior of these classes of construction processes. The paper concludes with an indication of some areas for further development of the technique.     

Simulating pavement structural condition using artificial neural networks

This article aims to investigate the feasibility of incorporating of an artificial neural network (ANN) as an innovative technique for modelling the pavement structural condition, into pavement management systems. For the development of the ANN, strain assessment criteria are set in order to characterise the structural condition of flexible asphalt pavements with regards to fatigue failure. This initial task is directly followed with the development of an ANN model for the prediction of strains primarily based on in situ field gathered data and not through the usage of synthetic databases. For this purpose, falling weight deflectometer (FWD) measurements were systematically conducted on a highway network, with ground-penetrating radar providing the required pavement thickness data. The FWD data (i.e. deflections) were back-analysed in order to assess strains that would be utilised as output data in the process of developing the ANN model. A paper exercise demonstrates how the developed ANN model combined with the suggested conceptual approach for characterising pavement structural condition with regard to strain assessment could make provisions for pavement management activities, categorising network pavement sections according to the need for maintenance or rehabilitation. Preliminary results indicate that the ANN technique could help assist policy decision makers in deriving optimum strategies for the planning of pavement infrastructure maintenance.     

基于人工神经网络的混凝土抗渗性能预测

在进行了正交试验的基础上,采用人工神经网络方法,建立混凝土的氯离子扩散系数与混凝土配比六个参数之间的非线性映射关系,研究各个参数对混凝土抗渗性能的影响,该研究成果可以减少混凝土试配次数,节约大量的人力、物力和时间,为高性能混凝土的研究发展奠定了基础。     

Estimation of operative temperature in buildings using artificial neural networks

In this article, the problem how to obtain models for estimation of the operative temperature in rooms and buildings is discussed. Identification experiments have been carried out in two different buildings and different linear and non-linear estimation models have been identified based on these experiments. For the buildings studied, it is shown that the operative temperature can be estimated fairly well by using variables, which are more easily measured, such as the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the electrical power use in the room, the wall temperatures, the ventilation flow rates and the time of day. It is also shown that non-linear artificial neural network models (ANN-models), in general, give better estimations than linear ARX-models. The most accurate estimation models were obtained using feed-forward ANN-models with one hidden layer of neurons and using Levenberg–Marquardts training algorithms.In one of the buildings, it is shown that for non-linear models but not for linear, the estimations are improved much when using the time of day as an input signal. This shows that the time of day affects the operative temperature in a non-linear manner.     

Prediction of blast-induced ground vibration using artificial neural networks

Blasting is still being considered to be one the most important applicable alternatives for conventional tunneling. Ground vibration generated due to blasting is an undesirable phenomenon which is harmful for the nearby habitants and dwellings and should be prevented. In this paper, an attempt has been made to predict blast-induced ground vibration using artificial neural network (ANN) in the Siahbisheh project, Iran. To construct the model maximum charge per delay, distance from blasting face to the monitoring point, stemming and hole depth are taken as input parameters, whereas, peak particle velocity (PPV) is considered as an output parameter. A database consisting of 182 datasets was collected at different strategic and vulnerable locations in and around the project. From the prepared database, 162 datasets were used for the training and testing of the network, whereas 20 randomly selected datasets were used for the validation of the ANN model. A four layer feed-forward back-propagation neural network with topology 4-10-5-1 was found to be optimum. To compare performance of the ANN model with empirical predictors as well as regression analysis, the same database was applied. Superiority of the proposed ANN model over empirical predictors and statistical model was examined by calculating coefficient of determination for predicted and measured PPV. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to get the influence of each parameter on PPV. It was found that distance from blasting face is the most effective and stemming is the least effective parameter on the PPV.     

Prediction of seismic-induced structural damage using artificial neural networks

Contemporary methods for estimating the extent of seismic-induced damage to structures include the use of nonlinear finite element method (FEM) and seismic vulnerability curves. FEM is applicable when a small number of predetermined structures is to be assessed, but becomes inefficient for larger stocks. Seismic vulnerability curves enable damage estimation for classes of similar structures characterised by a small number of parameters, and typically use only one parameter to describe ground motion. Hence, they are unable to extend damage prognosis to wider classes of structures, e.g. buildings with a different number of storeys and/or bays, or capture the full complexity of the relationship between damage and seismic excitation parameters. Motivated by these shortcomings, this study presents a general method for predicting seismic-induced damage using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). The approach was to describe both the structure and ground motion using a large number of structural and ground motion properties. The class of structures analysed were 2D reinforced concrete (RC) frames that varied in topology, stiffness, strength and damping, and were subjected to a suite of ground motions. Dynamic structural responses were simulated using nonlinear FEM analysis and damage indices describing the extent of damage calculated. Using the results of the numerical simulations, a mapping between the structural and ground motion properties and the damage indices was than established using an ANN. The performance of the ANN was assessed using several examples and the ANN was found to be capable of successfully predicting damage.     

Mapping rework causes and effects using artificial neural networks

Rework can have adverse effects on the performance and productivity of construction projects. Techniques such as artificial neural networks (ANN) are widely used for prediction and classification problems and thus can be used to map the causes and effects of rework. The traditional back propagation neural network and general regression neural network data from 112 Hong Kong construction projects are used to examine the influence of rework causes on the various project performance indicators such as cost overrun, time overrun, and contractual claims. The results from this research could be used to develop forecasting systems and appropriate intelligent decision support frameworks for enhancing performance in construction projects. Furthermore, analysis of the neural network results indicates that the general regression neural network architecture is better suited for modelling rework causes and their impacts on project performance.

Les travaux de reprise peuvent avoir des effets néfastes sur les performances et la productivité dans les projets de construction. Des techniques comme les réseaux neuronaux artificiels (AAN) sont largement utilisés pour résoudre les problèmes de prévision et de classification et peuvent donc servir à cartographier les causes et les effets des travaux de reprise. Les données de réseaux neuronaux classiques à rétropropagation et les données de réseaux neuronaux à régression générale provenant de 112 projets de construction à Hong Kong sont utilisées pour examiner l'influence des travaux de reprise sur les divers indicateurs de performances de projets, comme les dépassements de coûts, les dépassements de délais et les réclamations contractuelles. Les résultats de cette recherche pourraient servir à développer des systèmes de prévision et des cadres appropriés et intelligents de soutien à la décision pour améliorer les performances de projets de construction. En outre, l'analyse des résultats de réseaux neuronaux indique que l'architecture du réseau neuronal à régression générale convient mieux à la modélisation des causes des travaux de reprise et à leurs conséquences sur les performances des projets.

Mots cle´s: projet de construction, dépassement des coûts, productivité, performances de projets, travaux de reprise, dépassement des délais     

On-line building energy prediction using adaptive artificial neural networks

While most of the existing artificial neural networks (ANN) models for building energy prediction are static in nature, this paper evaluates the performance of adaptive ANN models that are capable of adapting themselves to unexpected pattern changes in the incoming data, and therefore can be used for the real-time on-line building energy prediction. Two adaptive ANN models are proposed and tested: accumulative training and sliding window training. The computational experiments presented in the paper use both simulated (synthetic) data and measured data. In the case of synthetic data, the accumulative training technique appears to have an almost equal performance with the sliding window training approach, in terms of training time and accuracy. In the case of real measurements, the sliding window technique gives better results, compared with the accumulative training, if the coefficient of variance is used as an indicator.     

Estimation of strength parameters of rock using artificial neural networks

The accurate determination of geomechanical properties such as uniaxial compressive strength and shear strength requires considerable time in collecting appropriate samples, their preparation and laboratory testing. To minimize the time and cost, a number of empirical relations have been reported which are widely used for the estimation of complex rock properties from more easily acquired data. This paper reports the use of an artificial neural network to predict the deformation properties of Coal Measure rocks using dynamic wave velocity, point load index, slake durability index and density. The results confirm the applicability of this method.     

Modelling hook times of mobile cranes using artificial neural networks

The hook times of mobile cranes are processes that are of non‐linear and discrete nature. Artificial neural network is a data processing technique that lends itself to this kind of problem. Three common artificial neural network architectures – multi‐layer feed‐forward (MLFF), group method of data handling (GMDH) and general regression neural network (GRNN) – are compared. The results show that the GRNN model aided with genetic algorithm (GA) is most promising in describing the non‐linear and discrete nature of the hook times. The MLFF model can also give a moderate level of accuracy in the estimation of hook travelling times of mobile cranes and is ranked second. The GMDH model is outperformed by the former two due to a less promising R‐square.     

Modelling optimal risk allocation in PPP projects using artificial neural networks

This paper aims to establish, train, validate, and test artificial neural network (ANN) models for modelling risk allocation decision-making process in public-private partnership (PPP) projects, mainly drawing upon transaction cost economics. An industry-wide questionnaire survey was conducted to examine the risk allocation practice in PPP projects and collect the data for training the ANN models. The training and evaluation results, when compared with those of using traditional MLR modelling technique, show that the ANN models are satisfactory for modelling risk allocation decision-making process. The empirical evidence further verifies that it is appropriate to utilize transaction cost economics to interpret risk allocation decision-making process. It is recommended that, in addition to partners' risk management mechanism maturity level, decision-makers, both from public and private sectors, should also seriously consider influential factors including partner's risk management routines, partners' cooperation history, partners' risk management commitment, and risk management environmental uncertainty. All these factors influence the formation of optimal risk allocation strategies, either by their individual or interacting effects.     

Analysis of durability of high performance concrete using artificial neural networks

This study aims to determine the influence of the content of water and cement, water–binder ratio, and the replacement of fly ash and silica fume on the durability of high performance concrete (HPC) by using artificial neural networks (ANNs). To achieve this, an ANNs model is developed to predict the durability of high performance concrete which is expressed in terms of chloride ions permeability in accordance with ASTM C1202-97 or AASHTO T277. The model is developed, trained and tested by using 86 data sets from experiments as well as previous researches. To verify the model, regression equations are carried out and compared with the trained neural network. The results indicate that the developed model is reliable and accurate. Based on the simulating durability model built using trained neural networks, the optimum cement content for designing HPC in terms of durability is in the range of 450–500 kg/m³. The results also revealed that the durability of concrete expressed in terms of total charge passed over a 6-h period can be significantly improved by using at least 20% fly ash to replace cement. Furthermore, it can be concluded that increasing silica fume results in reducing the chloride ions penetrability to a higher degree than fly ash. This study also illustrates how ANNs can be used to beneficially predict durability in terms of chloride ions permeability across a wide range of mix proportion parameters of HPC.     

Mix proportions for HPC incorporating multi-cementitious composites using artificial neural networks

High performance concrete (HPC) is defined in terms of both strength and durability performance under anticipated environmental conditions. HPC can be manufactured involving up to 10 different ingredients whilst having to consider durability properties in addition to strength. The number of ingredients and the number of properties of HPC, which needs to be considered in its design, are more than those for ordinary concrete. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the mix proportions and other properties of this type of concrete using statistical empirical relationship. An alternative approach is to use an artificial neural network (ANN). Based on the experimentally obtained results, ANN has been used to establish its applicability to the prediction and optimization of mix proportioning for HPC. It was demonstrated that mix proportioning for HPC can be predicted using ANN. However, some trial mixes are necessary for better performance and elimination of material variability factors from place to place. ANN procedure provides guidelines to select appropriate material proportions for required strength and rheology of concrete mixes and will reduce the number of trial mixes.     

Non-destructive evaluation of concrete physical condition using radar and artificial neural networks

This paper deals with the combination of radar technology and artificial neural networks (ANN) for the non-destructive evaluation of the water and chloride contents of concrete. Two networks were trained and tested to predict these concrete properties. Input data to the statistical models were extracted from time-domain signals of direct and reflected radar waves. ANN training and testing were implemented according to an experimental database of 100 radar measurements performed on concrete slabs having various water and chloride contents. Both networks were multi-layer-perceptrons trained according to back-propagation algorithm.The results of this research highlight the potential of artificial neural networks for solving the inverse problem of concrete physical evaluation using radar measurements. It was found that the optimized statistical models predicted water and chloride contents of concrete laboratory slabs with maximum absolute errors of about 2% and 0.5 kg/m³ of concrete, respectively.     

Hierarchical community classification and assessment of aquatic ecosystems using artificial neural networks

Benthic macroinvertebrate communities in stream ecosystems were assessed hierarchically through two-level classification methods of unsupervised learning. Two artificial neural networks were implemented in combination. Firstly, the self-organizing map (SOM) was used to reduce the dimension of community data, and secondly, the adaptive resonance theory (ART) was subsequently applied to the SOM to further classify the groups in different scales. Hierarchical grouping in community data efficiently reflected the impact of the environmental factors such as topographic conditions, levels of pollution, and sampling location and time across different scales. New community data not included in the training process were used to test the trained network model. The input data were appropriately grouped at different hierarchical levels by the trained networks, and correspondingly revealed the impact of environmental disturbances and temporal dynamics of communities. The hierarchical clusters based on a two-level classification method could be useful for assessing ecosystem quality and community variations caused by environmental disturbances.