Lifetime prediction using accelerated test data and neural networks

In this paper, a concept for the lifetime prediction of novel materials in civil engineering is presented. The approach does not require experiments over the structural lifetime and solves the problems of limited data and limited mechanical and physical insight in initial stages of investigation. Specifically, a combination of accelerated life testing with a neural network solution for function approximation over the time scale is proposed. The capabilities of the concept are demonstrated by a numerical example for verification purposes and a practical application for predicting the lifetime of textile reinforced concrete specimens at service load. (C) 2008 Civil-Comp Ltd. and Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.