Development of prediction models for shear strength of SFRCB using a machine learning approach

In this study, new design equations were derived for the assessment of shear resistance of steel fiber-reinforced concrete beams (SFRCB) utilizing multi-expression programming (MEP). The superiority of MEP over conventional statistical techniques is due to its ability in modeling of mechanical behavior without a need to pre-define the model structure. The MEP models were developed using a comprehensive database obtained through an extensive literature review. New criteria were checked to verify the validity of the models. A sensitivity analysis was carried out and discussed. The MEP models provide good estimations of the shear strength of SFRCB. The developed models significantly outperform several equations found in the literature.