Optimized Machine Learning Algorithms for Predicting the Punching Shear Resistance of Flat Slabs with Transverse Reinforcement

In the calculation of reinforced concrete (RC) flat slabs with transverse reinforcement, punching shear resistance is one of the most critical factors. It is true that design provisions may be implemented, but they often result in significant biases and deviations from expectations. This study aims to present an optimized machine learning (ML) algorithm for estimating the punching shear resistance. Four machine learning (ML) algorithms (SVR, DT, RF, and XGBoost) with Bayesian optimization (BO) are presented in this paper to provide accurate predictions for flat slabs. The adoptability and optimization of the models are achieved through the analysis of a database of 337 test specimens with nine design parameters. Machine learning (ML) techniques are used to estimate punching shear resistance, which is compared with design provisions and equations relating to critical shear crack theory (CSCT). According to this study, Bayesian optimization is still capable of improving the performance of conventional machine learning algorithms, while the XGBoost-based model offers advanced capabilities. Predictions based on BO-XGBoost are in good agreement with actual values (MAE, RMSE, and R² are 0.09 MN, 0.14 MN, and 0.92, respectively) in test set. Following a detailed explanation using Shapley additive explanation (SHAP), a high-performance ML approach is used to investigate the predictive results. With the proposed optimized algorithms, it is possible to determine the punching shear resistance of flat slabs with transverse reinforcement during the preliminary stages of the construction.