Strength retrieval of artificially cemented bauxite residue using machine learning: an alternative design approach based on response surface methodology

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to propose an alternative artificial neural network model based on response surface methodology over conventional approach to estimate the unconfined compressive strength of artificially cemented bauxite residue. The artificial neural network model uses molding moisture content (w), curing time (t) and porosity/volumetric lime (η/Lv′) as input parameters and unconfined compressive strength as the output parameter. Bayesian regularization as training function with sigmoid and pure linear at hidden and output layers is used for modeling the artificial neural network. The proposed response surface methodology designed ANN model is comparable with the conventional designed ANN model and can be used effectively with significantly less number of data set. Sensitivity analysis, to make out the significant input factors based on connection-weight approach, is also discussed. Further, neural interpretation diagram is incorporated to study the effects of individual input parameters over the response. Finally, a predictive equation is presented based on response surface methodology designed artificial neural network model for the range of parameters studied. © 2018, The Natural Computing Applications Forum.