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Soft Computing Applications of Civil Engineering including AI-based Optimization and Prediction

Submission Deadline: 30 November 2025 View: 1093 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Prof. Dr. Gebrail Bekdaş, Istanbul University–Cerrahpaşa, Turkey
Prof. Dr. Sinan Melih Nigdeli, Istanbul University–Cerrahpaşa, Turkey
Prof. Dr. Zong Woo Geem, Gachon University, South Korea


Summary

Soft computing and advanced optimization techniques have become indispensable tools in modern civil engineering. The complexities involved in civil engineering projects, such as designing large-scale structures or optimizing transportation networks, often require tackling intricate multi-constraint and multi-objective problems. Traditional optimization methods can struggle with these challenges due to the nonlinearity and high dimensionality of the problems involved.

 

This is where metaheuristic algorithms shine. They emulate natural processes like evolution, swarm behavior, or physical processes to efficiently explore complex solution spaces and find near-optimal solutions. Algorithms such as genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, simulated annealing, and ant colony optimization are widely used in civil engineering for tasks ranging from structural optimization to traffic management.

 

The key advantages of these algorithms lie in their ability to handle non-convex and discontinuous objective functions, as well as to efficiently navigate large solution spaces where traditional gradient-based methods might fail or become computationally prohibitive. Additionally, metaheuristics can incorporate multiple objectives and constraints, providing engineers with a suite of tools to balance trade-offs between safety, cost, environmental impact, and other critical factors.

 

By leveraging the strengths of various metaheuristic algorithms or combining them with domain-specific knowledge, engineers can achieve superior design outcomes. For example, hybrid approaches that integrate metaheuristics with machine learning can offer prediction of optimum results.

 

Overall, the integration of soft computing and AI techniques into civil engineering practices has revolutionized the field by enabling engineers to tackle complex design challenges more effectively and efficiently, ultimately leading to safer, more sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing infrastructure.

 

The novel interest in applying soft computing and AI techniques to civil engineering lies not only in the technical advancements but also in the transformative ways these technologies are reshaping the field, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing critical sustainability challenges facing modern infrastructure development. This factor shows good relevance to the scope of the journal of the proposed theme.


Keywords

Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Neural Networks, Evolutionary Algorithms, Genetic Algorithms, Hybrid algorithms, Optimization, Optimum design, Metaheuristic algorithms, Bioinspired Algorithms, Swarm Intelligence, Civil engineering, Nature-inspired Algorithms, Machine Learning, Deep Learning.

Published Papers


  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Applications of Advanced Optimized Neuro Fuzzy Models for Enhancing Daily Suspended Sediment Load Prediction

    Rana Muhammad Adnan, Mo Wang, Adil Masood, Ozgur Kisi, Shamsuddin Shahid, Mohammad Zounemat-Kermani
    CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.143, No.1, pp. 1249-1272, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.062339
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Soft Computing Applications of Civil Engineering including AI-based Optimization and Prediction)
    Abstract Accurate daily suspended sediment load (SSL) prediction is essential for sustainable water resource management, sediment control, and environmental planning. However, SSL prediction is highly complex due to its nonlinear and dynamic nature, making traditional empirical models inadequate. This study proposes a novel hybrid approach, integrating the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) with the Gradient-Based Optimizer (GBO), to enhance SSL forecasting accuracy. The research compares the performance of ANFIS-GBO with three alternative models: standard ANFIS, ANFIS with Particle Swarm Optimization (ANFIS-PSO), and ANFIS with Grey Wolf Optimization (ANFIS-GWO). Historical SSL and streamflow data from the Bailong… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Predicting the Construction Quality of Projects by Using Hybrid Soft Computing Techniques

    Ching-Lung Fan
    CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.142, No.2, pp. 1995-2017, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.059414
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Soft Computing Applications of Civil Engineering including AI-based Optimization and Prediction)
    Abstract The construction phase of a project is a critical factor that significantly impacts its overall success. The construction environment is characterized by uncertainty and dynamism, involving nonlinear relationships among various factors that affect construction quality. This study utilized 987 construction inspection records from 1993 to 2022, obtained from the Taiwanese Public Construction Management Information System (PCMIS), to determine the relationships between construction factors and quality. First, fuzzy logic was applied to calculate the weights of 499 defects, and 25 critical construction factors were selected based on these weight values. Next, a deep neural network was… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Prediction of Shear Bond Strength of Asphalt Concrete Pavement Using Machine Learning Models and Grid Search Optimization Technique

    Quynh-Anh Thi Bui, Dam Duc Nguyen, Hiep Van Le, Indra Prakash, Binh Thai Pham
    CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.142, No.1, pp. 691-712, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2024.054766
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Soft Computing Applications of Civil Engineering including AI-based Optimization and Prediction)
    Abstract Determination of Shear Bond strength (SBS) at interlayer of double-layer asphalt concrete is crucial in flexible pavement structures. The study used three Machine Learning (ML) models, including K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Extra Trees (ET), and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM), to predict SBS based on easily determinable input parameters. Also, the Grid Search technique was employed for hyper-parameter tuning of the ML models, and cross-validation and learning curve analysis were used for training the models. The models were built on a database of 240 experimental results and three input variables: temperature, normal pressure, and tack coat… More >

  • Open Access

    ARTICLE

    Parameter Optimization of Tuned Mass Damper Inerter via Adaptive Harmony Search

    Yaren Aydın, Gebrail Bekdaş, Sinan Melih Nigdeli, Zong Woo Geem
    CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.141, No.3, pp. 2471-2499, 2024, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2024.056693
    (This article belongs to the Special Issue: Soft Computing Applications of Civil Engineering including AI-based Optimization and Prediction)
    Abstract Dynamic impacts such as wind and earthquakes cause loss of life and economic damage. To ensure safety against these effects, various measures have been taken from past to present and solutions have been developed using different technologies. Tall buildings are more susceptible to vibrations such as wind and earthquakes. Therefore, vibration control has become an important issue in civil engineering. This study optimizes tuned mass damper inerter (TMDI) using far-fault ground motion records. This study derives the optimum parameters of TMDI using the Adaptive Harmony Search algorithm. Structure displacement and total acceleration against earthquake load More >

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