Support vector regression based shear strength modelling of deep beams

Support vector regression based modelling approach was used to predict the shear strength of reinforced and prestressed concrete deep beams. To compare its performance, a back-propagation neural network and the three empirical relations was used with reinforced concrete deep beams. For prestressed deep beams, one empirical relation was used. Results suggest an improved performance by the SVR in terms of prediction capabilities in comparison to the empirical relations and back propagation neural network. Parametric studies with SVR suggest the importance of concrete cylinder strength and ratio of shear span to effective depth of beam on strength prediction of deep beams. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.