Prediction of Swelling Index Using Advanced Machine Learning Techniques for Cohesive Soils

• Main Authors: Mohammed Amin Benbouras, Alexandru-Ionut Petrisor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-01-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: swelling index; machine learning; oedometer tests; physical soil parameters; neural network; Random Forest
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/2/536

Several attempts have been made for estimating the vital swelling index parameter conducted by the expensive and time-consuming Oedometer test. However, they have only focused on the neuron network neglecting other advanced methods that could have increased the predictive capability of models. In order to overcome this limitation, the current study aims to elaborate an alternative model for estimating the swelling index from geotechnical physical parameters. The reliability of the approach is tested through several advanced machine learning methods like Extreme Learning Machine, Deep Neural Network, Support Vector Regression, Random Forest, LASSO regression, Partial Least Square Regression, Ridge Regression, Kernel Ridge, Stepwise Regression, Least Square Regression, and genetic Programing. These methods have been applied for modeling samples consisting of 875 Oedometer tests. Firstly, principal component analysis, Gamma test, and forward selection are utilized to reduce the input variable numbers. Afterward, the advanced techniques have been applied for modeling the proposed optimal inputs, and their accuracy models were evaluated through six statistical indicators and using K-fold cross validation approach. The comparative study shows the efficiency of <i>FS-RF</i> model. This elaborated model provided the most appropriate prediction, closest to the experimental values compared with other models and formulae proposed by the previous studies.