Predicting elastic properties of schistose rocks from unconfined strength using intelligent approach

Elastic properties of rocks play a major and crucial role for the design of any engineering structure. Determination of elastic properties in laboratory is tedious, laborious, very time consuming, as well as expertise is required, whereas determination of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and tensile strength in laboratory is simple, easy, and less expertise is required. Here, an attempt has been made to predict the elastic properties (Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus) of the schistose rocks from unconfined strength (UCS and tensile strength) using artificial neural network (ANN). A three-layer feed-forward back propagation neural network with 2-5-2 architecture was trained up to 855 epochs to predict the elastic properties of rock mass. The network was trained and tested by 120 data sets, and validation of the network was done by 20 new randomly selected data sets of UCS and tensile strength. The samples were collected from the schistose rocks of Nathpa-Jhakri hydropower project site, SJVNL, Himachal Pradesh, India. To check the validity and suitability of the artificial neural network technique, multivariate regression analysis (MVRA) is also performed, and comparison has been made. It was found that ANN gives closer values of predicted Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus as compared to MVRA. The coefficient of determination for Poisson’s ratio was 0.9809 and 0.843 by ANN and MVRA, respectively, whereas 0.9922 and 0.9362 for Young’s modulus by ANN and MVRA, respectively. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for Young’s modulus is 11.13 and 28.21 by ANN and MVRA, respectively; whereas MAPE for Poisson’s ratio is 3.64 and 9.23 by ANN and MVRA, respectively.     

Prediction of Backbreak in Open-Pit Blasting Operations Using the Machine Learning Method

Backbreak is an undesirable phenomenon in blasting operations. It can cause instability of mine walls, falling down of machinery, improper fragmentation, reduced efficiency of drilling, etc. The existence of various effective parameters and their unknown relationships are the main reasons for inaccuracy of the empirical models. Presently, the application of new approaches such as artificial intelligence is highly recommended. In this paper, an attempt has been made to predict backbreak in blasting operations of Soungun iron mine, Iran, incorporating rock properties and blast design parameters using the support vector machine (SVM) method. To investigate the suitability of this approach, the predictions by SVM have been compared with multivariate regression analysis (MVRA). The coefficient of determination (CoD) and the mean absolute error (MAE) were taken as performance measures. It was found that the CoD between measured and predicted backbreak was 0.987 and 0.89 by SVM and MVRA, respectively, whereas the MAE was 0.29 and 1.07 by SVM and MVRA, respectively.     

Burden prediction in blasting operation using rock geomechanical properties

Burden prediction is a vital task in the production blasting. Both the excessive and insufficient burden can significantly affect the result of blasting operation. The burden which is determined by empirical models is often inaccurate and needs to be adjusted experimentally. In this paper, an attempt was made to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) in order to predict burden in the blasting operation of the Mouteh gold mine, using considering geomechanical properties of rocks as input parameters. As such here, network inputs consist of blastability index (BI), rock quality designation (RQD), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), density, and cohesive strength. To make a database (including 95 datasets), rock samples are used from Iran’s Mouteh goldmine. Trying various types of the networks, a neural network, with architecture 5-15-10-1, was found to be optimum. Superiority of ANN over regression model is proved by calculating. To compare the performance of the ANN modeling with that of multivariable regression analysis (MVRA), mean absolute error (E _a), mean relative error (E _r), and determination coefficient (R ²) between predicted and real values were calculated for both the models. It was observed that the ANN prediction capability is better than that of MVRA. The absolute and relative errors for the ANN model were calculated 0.05 m and 3.85%, respectively, whereas for the regression analysis, these errors were computed 0.11 m and 5.63%, respectively. Moreover, determination coefficient of the ANN model and MVRA were determined 0.987 and 0.924, respectively. Further, a sensitivity analysis shows that while BI and RQD were recognized as the most sensitive and effective parameters, cohesive strength is considered as the least sensitive input parameters on the ANN model output effective on the proposed (burden).     

A study of soft computing models for prediction of longitudinal wave velocity

Genetic algorithm (GA) and support vector machine (SVM) optimization techniques are applied widely in the area of geophysics, civil, biology, mining, and geo-mechanics. Due to its versatility, it is being applied widely in almost every field of engineering. In this paper, the important features of GA and SVM are discussed as well as prediction of longitudinal wave velocity and its advantages over other conventional prediction methods. Longitudinal wave measurement is an indicator of peak particle velocity (PPV) during blasting and is an important parameter to be determined to minimize the damage caused by ground vibrations. The dynamic wave velocity and physico-mechanical properties of rock significantly affect the fracture propagation in rock. GA and SVM models are designed to predict the longitudinal wave velocity induced by ground vibrations. Chaos optimization algorithm has been used in SVM to find the optimal parameters of the model to increase the learning and prediction efficiency. GA model also has been developed and has used an objective function to be minimized. A parametric study for selecting the optimized parameters of GA model was done to select the best value. The mean absolute percentage error for the predicted wave velocity (V) value has been found to be the least (0.258 %) for GA as compared to values obtained by multivariate regression analysis (MVRA), artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and SVM.     

地下工程围岩分类的神经网络可视化评价

围岩分类是地下工程技术基础研究的重要课题之一。影响围岩类别的因素有很多，并且具有高度的随机性和模糊性。神经网络方法具有自组织、自学习和高度非线性映射的能力，并且既能考虑定量因素又能考虑定性因素，因此，在围岩分类的应用方面，神经网络具有广泛的前景。文章基于改进的BP神经网络的一般原理，依据有关地下工程围岩的分类标准，选取岩体结构、岩石饱和单轴抗压强度、岩体结构面、岩石纵波速度作为围岩分类的评价指标，利用MATLAB语言构建了可视化的围岩分类神经网络模型，并收集了大量的工程资料对网络进行训练和检验。结果表明，网络的预测结果与实际结果比较一致。证明神经网络是能够在工程岩体分类方面得到推广应用的。     

Neural network based prediction of ground surface settlements due to tunnelling

Ground surface settlement due to tunnel excavation varies in magnitude and trend depending on several factors such as tunnel geometry, ground conditions, etc. Although there are several empirical and semi-empirical formulae available for predicting ground surface settlement, most of these do not simultaneously take into consideration all the relevant factors, resulting in inaccurate predictions. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) is incorporated with '113' of monitored field results to predict surface settlement for a tunnel site with prescribed conditions. To achieve this, a standard format (a protocol) for a database of monitored field data is first proposed and then used for sorting out a variety of monitored data sets available in KICT. Using the capabilities of pattern recognition and memorization of the ANN, an attempt is made to capture the rich physical characteristics smeared in the database and at the same time filter inherent noise in the monitored data. Here, an optimal neural network model is suggested through preliminary parametric studies. It is shown that preliminary studies for generating an optimal ANN under given training data sets are necessary because no analytical method for this purpose is available to date. In addition, this study introduces a concept of relative strength of effects (RSE) [Yang Y, Zhang Q. A heirarchical analysis for rock engineering using artificial neural networks. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering 1997; 30(4): 207–22] in sensitivity analysis for various major factors affecting the surface settlement in tunnelling. It is seen in some examples that the RSE rationally enables us to recognize the most significant factors of all the contributing factors. Two verification examples are undertaken with the trained ANN using the database created in this study. It is shown from the examples that the ANN has adequately recognized the characteristics of the monitored data sets retaining a generality for further prediction. It is believed that an ANN based hierarchical prediction procedure shown in this paper can be further employed in many kinds of geotechnical engineering problems with inherent uncertainties and imperfections.     

用人工神经网络估算岩质边坡的安全系数

基于工程事例, 介绍了一组初步试验工作, 探讨人工神经网络(ANN)方法用于岩质边坡稳定性安全系数估算的可能性。文中给出三次试验及试验结果, 试验结果表明用人工神经网络估算岩质边坡安全系数不仅是可行的, 而且是一种实时、准确且准备工作简单的估算方法。     

采场顶板稳定性动态预测及控制研究

运用人工神经网络技术,综合岩石介质条件、赋存环境条件以及工程因素3大方面的5个指标,即岩石单轴抗压强度、岩石质量指标、煤体强度、地下水状况、工作面月推进速度,建立了采场顶板稳定性动态预测模型。并以工作面月推进速度40m、60m、80m、100m分别预测了新集井田顶板稳定性分区。根据5个指标因素分析结果,对顶板稳定性影响程度由大到小排序为岩石质量指标、地下水状况、岩石单轴抗压强度、煤体强度、工作面月推进速度。     

Prediction of pile settlement using artificial neural networks based on standard penetration test data

In recent years artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been applied to many geotechnical engineering problems with some degree of success. With respect to the design of pile foundations, accurate prediction of pile settlement is necessary to ensure appropriate structural and serviceability performance. In this paper, an ANN model is developed for predicting pile settlement based on standard penetration test (SPT) data. Approximately 1000 data sets, obtained from the published literature, are used to develop the ANN model. In addition, the paper discusses the choice of input and internal network parameters which were examined to obtain the optimum model. Finally, the paper compares the predictions obtained by the ANN with those given by a number of traditional methods. It is demonstrated that the ANN model outperforms the traditional methods and provides accurate pile settlement predictions.     

红板岩材料隐式本构模型的建立及其应用研究

针对红板岩材料在岩土工程中所表现的大量模糊的和不确定的因素等特点,基于人工神经网络的学习能力,借助于室内岩石力学试验,进行了对该材料的力学本构特性进行了神经网络模拟研究,提出了隐式本构模型的思想和方法,并通过该方法对该岩石的流变试验结果进行学习,获得了以网络权值结构保存的力学特性知识,由此得到了表征红板岩应力应变本构关系的隐式本构模型。应用结果表明,该方法对岩土类材料本构关系的模拟研究具有很好的应用前景。     

Application of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system for prediction of a rock engineering classification system

The rock engineering classification system is based on six parameters defined by Bieniawski [5], who employed parallel sets of linguistic and numerical criteria that were acknowledged to influence the behaviour of rock masses and the stability of rock structures. Consequently, experts frequently relate rock joints and discontinuities as well as ground water conditions in linguistic terms, with rough calculations. Recently, intelligence system approaches such as artificial neural network (ANN) and neuro-fuzzy methods have been used successfully for time series modelling. Using neuro-fuzzy approaches, which enable the information that is stored in trained networks to be expressed in the form of a fuzzy rule base, would help to overcome this issue. This paper presents the results of a study of the application of neuro-fuzzy methods to predict rock mass rating. We note that the proposed weights technique was applied in this process. We show that neuro-fuzzy methods give better predictions than conventional modelling approaches.     

A neural network approach for attenuation relationships: An application using strong ground motion data from Turkey

This paper presents an application of neural network approach for the prediction of peak ground acceleration (PGA) using the strong motion data from Turkey, as a soft computing technique to remove uncertainties in attenuation equations. A training algorithm based on the Fletcher–Reeves conjugate gradient back-propagation was developed and employed for three sample sets of strong ground motion. The input variables in the constructed artificial neural network (ANN) model were the magnitude, the source-to-site distance and the site conditions, and the output was the PGA. The generalization capability of ANN algorithms was tested with the same training data. To demonstrate the authenticity of this approach, the network predictions were compared with the ones from regressions for the corresponding attenuation equations. The results indicated that the fitting between the predicted PGA values by the networks and the observed ones yielded high correlation coefficients (R²). In addition, comparisons of the correlations by the ANN and the regression method showed that the ANN approach performed better than the regression. Even though the developed ANN models suffered from optimal configuration about the generalization capability, they can be conservatively used to well understand the influence of input parameters for the PGA predictions.     

Determination of the relative thermal conductivity of solid samples by X-ray diffraction device

The thermal conductivity (TC) of metal and rock samples was determined, under ambient conditions, using standard X-ray diffraction equipment in which only the diffractometer sample holder had been modified from the original. As the method is comparative, standard reference materials were used: a copper standard for the analysis of metals and marble for the rock specimens. The marble was analyzed beforehand using a quick thermal conductivity meter QTM. In experimental measurements of TC the mean reproducibility value appears to be about 4% while the accuracy is about 5% for the examined rocks, and better for metals.     

Artificial neural network model for prediction of rock properties from sound level produced during drilling

In many rock engineering applications such as foundations, slopes and tunnels, the intact rock properties are not actually determined by laboratory tests, due to the requirements of high quality core samples and sophisticated test equipments. Thus, predicting the rock properties by using empirical equations has been an attractive research topic relating to rock engineering practice for many years. Soft computing techniques are now being used as alternative statistical tools. In this study, artificial neural network models were developed to predict the rock properties of the intact rock, by using sound level produced during rock drilling. A database of 832 datasets, including drill bit diameter, drill bit speed, penetration rate of the drill bit and equivalent sound level (L_eq) produced during drilling for input parameters, and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Schmidt rebound number (SRN), dry density (ρ), P-wave velocity (V_p), tensile strength (TS), modulus of elasticity (E) and percentage porosity (n) of intact rock for output, was established. The constructed models were checked using various prediction performance indices. Goodness of the fit measures revealed that recommended ANN model fitted the data as accurately as experimental results, indicating the usefulness of artificial neural networks in predicting rock properties.     

基于人工神经网络模型的岩石特性预测

近年来,软计算技术被用作替代的统计工具。如人工神经网络（ANN）被用于开发预测模型来估计所需的参数。在本研究中,通过利用冲击钻进过程中的一些钻进参数（气压、推力、钻头直径、穿透率）和所产生的声级,建立了预测岩石性质的神经网络模型。在实验室中所产生的数据,用于开发预测岩石特性（如单轴抗压强度、耐磨性、抗拉强度和施密特回弹数）的神经网络模型,并使用各种预测性能指标对所建模型进行检验,结果表明人工神经网络模型适用于岩石性质的预测。     

日流量预测的小波网络模型初探

针对日流量时间序列的非线性和多时间尺度特性,提出了将小波分析与人工神经网络相结合进行日流量预测的新方法——小波网络模型。该模型吸取了小波分析的多分辨功能和人工神经网络的非线性逼近能力。以长江寸滩站日流量预测为例,研究表明,所构造的模型各预见期的拟合、检验精度较高。小波网络模型延长了预见期,提高了预报精度,具有广阔的应用前景。     

Predicting moisture content of soil from thermal properties using artificial neural network

Monitoring of soil moisture contents is an important practice for irrigation water management. The benefit of periodic soil water content data includes improved irrigation scheduling in order to optimize water usage for improved crop productivity. However, the in situ equipment for measuring soil water contents have high maintenance and operation cost and are highly affected by neighboring soil conditions, and some have overwhelming calibration and data interpretation, whereas the common standard laboratory procedure requires much effort and can be time-consuming for large dataset. The objective of this study is to evaluate the applicability of artificial neural network (ANN) to predict moisture content of soil using available or measured thermal properties (thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and temperature) of soil. We used both multilayered perception (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) types of ANN. The study area is a farmland situated within the premises of the University of Ibadan campus. Thermal properties were measured with KD2 Pro at 42 points along seven transects. Soil samples were also collected at these points to determine their moisture contents in the laboratory. ANN analysis carried out effectively predicted the soil moisture content with very low root-mean-square error (RMSE) and high correlation coefficient (R) of approximately 0.9 for the two methods evaluated. The overall results suggest that ANN can be incorporated to predict the moisture content of soil in this area where thermal properties are known.     

Reservoir parameters determination using artificial neural networks: Ras Fanar field, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Ras Fanar field is one of the largest oil-bearing carbonate reservoirs in the Gulf of Suez. The field produces from the Middle Miocene Nullipore carbonate reservoir, which consists mainly of algal-rich dolomite and dolomitic limestone rocks, and range in thickness between 400 and 980 ft. All porosity types within the Nullipore rocks have been modified by diagenetic processes such as dolomitization, leaching, and cementation; hence, the difficulty arise in the accurate determination of certain petrophysical parameters, such as porosity and permeability, using logging data only. In this study, artificial neural networks (ANN) are used to estimate and predict the most important petrophysical parameters of Nullipore reservoir based on well logging data and available core plug analyses. The different petrophysical parameters are first calculated from conventional logging and measured core analyses. It is found that pore spaces are uniform all over the reservoirs (17–23%), while hydrocarbon content constitutes more than 55% and represented mainly by oil with little saturations of secondary gasses. A regular regression analysis is carried out over the calculated and measured parameters, especially porosity and permeability. Fair to good correlation (R <65%) is recognized between both types of datasets. A predictive ANN module is applied using a simple forward backpropagation technique using the information gathered from the conventional and measured analyses. The predicted petrophysical parameters are found to be much more accurate if compared with the parameters calculated from conventional logging analyses. The statistics of the predicted parameters relative to the measured data, show lower sum error (<0.17%) and higher correlation coefficient (R >80%) indicating that good matching and correlation is achieved between the measured and predicted parameters. This well-learned artificial neural network can be further applied as a predictive module in other wells in Ras Fanar field where core data are unavailable.     

Prediction of strength parameters of sedimentary rocks using artificial neural networks and regression analysis

Accurate laboratory measurement of geo-engineering properties of intact rock including uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and modulus of elasticity (E) involves high costs and a substantial amount of time. For this reason, it is of great necessity to develop some relationships and models for estimating these parameters in rock engineering. The present study was conducted to forecast UCS and E in the sedimentary rocks using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and multivariable regression analysis (MLR). For this purpose, a total of 196 rock samples from four rock types (i.e., sandstone, conglomerate, limestone, and marl) were cored and subjected to comprehensive laboratory tests. To develop the predictive models, physical properties of studied rocks such as P wave velocity (V_p), dry density (γ_d), porosity, and water absorption (A_b) were considered as model inputs, while UCS and E were the output parameters. We evaluated the performance of MLR and ANN models by calculating correlation coefficient (R), mean absolute error (MAE), and root-mean-square error (RMSE) indices. The comparison of the obtained results revealed that ANN outperforms MLR when predicting the UCS and E.