Evaluation of the splitting tensile strength in plain and steel fiber-reinforced concrete based on the compressive strength

Compressive strength (f(c)) and splitting tensile strength (f(spt)) of concrete are two important parameters in structural design. Due to the complexity, cost, and time-consuming nature of performing tensile tests, many researchers are interested to predict the value of this property in a simplified but accurate manner. This paper presents non-linear regression (NLR) analysis, artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM) and M5' model tree (MT) techniques to predict the tensile strength (f(spt)) of concretes made with and without steel fiber reinforcement. Error measures were used to compare the performance of different models including the models developed in this study and those developed by other researchers. Results indicated that non-linear regression analysis, artificial neural network, support vector machine, and model tree algorithms can predict the splitting tensile strength of concretes made with and without steel fiber reinforcement with satisfactory accuracy. However, machine learning techniques such as ANN, M5' model tree and SVM provided superior models compared to NLR analysis. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.