A new proposed approach for moment capacity estimation of ferrocement members using Group Method of Data Handling

Abstract

Ferrocement composites are widely used as a novel method for many different structural purposes recently. The uniform distribution and the high surface area-to-volume ratio of the reinforcement of such composites would improve the crack-arresting mechanism. Given these properties, ferrocement is an ideal option as a replacement for some traditional structures methods. In members with axially loaded reinforced concrete ferrocement composite, it would be the best alternative to use ferrocement members. Lack of sufficient research in this approach is the cause of not well defining this field for RC structures. This study has aimed to evaluate the moment capacity of ferrocement members using the GMDH method. Mechanical and geometrical parameters including the width of specimens, total depth specimens, compressive strength of ferrocement, ultimate strength of wire mesh and volume fraction of wire mesh are considered as inputs to predict the moment capacity of ferrocement members. For evaluating this model, mean absolute error (MAE), root mean absolute error (RMAE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) were carried out. The results conducted that the GMDH model is significantly better than some previous models and comparable to some other methods. Moreover, a new formulation for moment capacity of ferrocement members based on GMDH approach is presented. Finally, Sensitivity analysis is operated to understand the influence of each input parameters on moment capacity of ferrocement members.