Ensemble learning based sustainable approach to rebuilding metal structures prediction

Abstract

The effective implementation of the European Green Deal is based on closing cycles by means of reusing products and extending their durability, especially for steel products in the construction industry. The Life Cycle Assessment gives an opportunity to determine the potential impact caused on the environment by building structures and it is used mainly at the early design stage. At the same time, there are significant gaps when it comes to predicting properties of steel products at the last stage of the life cycle of existing buildings in the End of Life Stage (C1-C4) phases and especially D—Benefits and Loads Beyond the System Boundary. This paper uses machine learning (ML) in order to solve the problem of predicting the reusability of construction steel based on the determination of its yield strength by a non-destructive magnetic method. This will give an opportunity to make informed decisions when using this steel again. The research uses machine learning approaches that include regression problems. However, the use of ensemble learning significantly improves quality and accuracy of the results, while demonstrating its advantage in combining multiple models for obtaining more accurate predictions. The research results show that the WeightedEnsemble ensemble method (which includes 8 models) has the best prediction accuracy (MSE = 441 MPa and RMSE = 21 MPa). This method has high accuracy and low delay of conclusion (IL = 0.119 s) when predicting the tensile strength limit (MPa) based on the data of non-destructive testing of structural steel products. . The innovation of the development lies in the ability to provide an automated tool to support informed decision-making for the reuse of building steel for construction site professionals. The accuracy of the ensemble model and its potential for integration with existing practices indicate significant progress in managing steel reuse processes at the final stage of the building life cycle – stage D.