Support vector machine for determining the compressive strength of brick-mortar masonry using NDT data fusion (case study: Kharagpur, India)

The accurate prediction of compressive strength of brick-mortar masonry walls is crucial for the damage assessment of load-bearing masonry constructions. Direct tests conducted to estimate compressive strength involve core drilling and are expensive. To estimate compressive strength, several indirect test parameters can be used as empirical predictors. Nondestructive tests can be rapidly executed, can significantly reduce repair costs, and can increase the knowledge level of buildings by indirectly estimating compressive strength. This study aimed to determine the compressive strength of masonry construction by using support vector machines (SVMs). Input variables of the model are test data obtained from the nondestructive and destructive testing of 44 masonry wallettes cast in a laboratory for evaluating the compressive strength of brick (f(b)), rebound hammer number, and ultrasonic pulse velocity, while the compressive strength of the wall (f(c)) is output. The final results obtained using an SVM model are validated for a masonry building in Kharagpur, India through experimental testing, and these results are compared with other established empirical relationships. The results indicate that the SVM can be efficiently used to predict the compressive strength of brick-mortar masonry.