Artificial neural networks approach for swell pressure versus soil suction behaviour

Abstract

In this study, the swell pressure versus soil suction behaviour was investigated using artificial neural networks (ANNs). To achieve this, the results of the total suction measurements using thermocouple psychrometer technique and constant-volume swell tests in oedometers performed on statically compacted specimens of Bentonite–Kaolinite clay mixtures with varying soil properties were used. Two different ANN models have been developed to predict the total suction and swell pressure. The ANNs results were compared with the experimental values and found close to the experimental results. Moreover, several performance indices such as correlation coefficient, variance account for (VAF), and root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated to check the prediction capacity of the ANN models developed. Both ANN models have shown a high prediction performance based on the performance indices. Therefore, it can be concluded that the initial soil suction is the most relevant state of suction that characterizes the potential swell pressures.