Integration of Machine Learning Models and Tiering Technique in Predicting the Compressive Strength of FRP-Strengthened Circular Concrete Columns

This study aims to investigate the performance of the combined machine learning (ML) models and tiering technique for predicting the compressive strength of FRP-strengthened circular concrete columns. A dataset consisting of 725 experimental results has been assembled from available research studies to evaluate the prediction models. Pearson’s correlation analysis has been carried out to investigate the relationship between seven input parameters and the target parameter. The Taylor diagram has been plotted to deter-mine the best design-oriented strength model. The prediction performance of the combined ML models and tiering technique was compared with that of single ML models and ten design-oriented strength models. The research outcomes revealed that applying the tiering technique significantly improved the prediction accuracy of the ML models. It was also found that the best ML model for predicting the compressive strength of FRP-strengthened circular concrete columns was the combined random forest model and tiering technique, which outperformed single ML and design-oriented strength models.