Using hybrid machine learning model including gradient boosting and Bayesian optimization for predicting compressive strength of concrete containing ground glass particles

Abstract

The use of recycled glass in the concrete mix instead of natural coarse aggregates and supplemental cementitious material has several advantages, including the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of CO₂ emissions, and cost savings. However, due to their qualities, the mechanical properties of concrete containing Ground Glass Particles (GGP) differ from those of natural aggregates concrete. As a result, assessing the compressive strength (CS) of concrete with GGP is crucial. Therefore, this paper proposes the hybrid Machine Learning (ML) model including the Gradient Boosting (GB) and Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithms for predicting the compressive strength of concrete containing GGP. The hybrid ML model is developed and validated based on the training dataset (70% of the data) and the test dataset (30% of the remaining data), respectively. The performance of hybrid ML model is evaluated by three criteria, such as the Pearson correlation coefficient (R), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The K-Fold Cross-Validation technique is also used to verify the reliability of the hybrid ML model). The best performance of the hybrid ML model is determined with the R = 0.9843, RMSE = 1.7256 (MPa), and MAE = 1.3154 (MPa) for training dataset and R = 0.9784, RMSE = 2.4338 (MPa) and MAE = 1.9618 (MPa) for testing dataset. Based on the best hybrid ML model, the sensitivity analysis including SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) and Partial Dependence Plots (PDP) 2D are investigated to obtain an in-depth examination of each individual input variable on the predicted compressive strength of concrete contaning GGP. The sensitivity analysis shows that four factors, such as curing age, surface area, TiO₂, and temperature have the most effect on the compressive strength of concrete containing GGP.