Predicting of crack spacing for concrete by using neural networks

The current building codes provide calculation techniques to estimate crack spacing
for regular building members (beams and slabs). Thick members are commonly used
for offshore platforms and containment structures for nuclear power structures. The
results have proven that it is necessary to modify the equations used for the crack
spacing prediction of thick members. The neural network concept is thus introduced
as a tool to estimate crack spacing. Two kinds of neural networks are used: the radial
basis and the feed forward back propagation neural networks. In general, both
networks show better estimates compared to other available tools. This paper also
presents a simplified practical equation for the estimation of crack spacing. The
proposed equation is shown to have very good potential in preliminary estimations
of crack spacing. Important parameters that control crack spacing are included in
the equation, such as rebar diameter, rebar spacing and concrete cover. The results
show that other parameters, such as concrete compressive strength and element
thickness have minimal effect on crack spacing.