Due to the limitation of sample size in predicting the torsional strength of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams, this paper aims to discuss the feasibility of employing a novel machine learning approach with K-fold cross-validation in a small sample range, which combines the advantages of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and a Neural Network (NN) to predict the torsional strength of RC beams. This research study not only utilizes the application of a Back Propagation (BP) neural network and the Gene Algorithm-Back Propagation (GA-BP) neural network in the prediction of the torsional strength of the RC beam, but it also investigates neural network parameter optimization, including connection weights and thresholds, using K-fold cross-validation. The root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and correlation coefficient (R2) are among the evaluation metrics used to assess the performance of the trained model. To elaborate on the superiority of the proposed network models in predicting the torsional strength of RC beams, a parametric study is conducted by comparing the proposed model to three commonly used empirical formulae from existing design codes. The comparative findings of this research study demonstrate that the performance of the BP neural network is highly similar to that of design codes; however, its accuracy is inadequate. After improving the weights and thresholds by k-fold cross-validation and GA, the prediction of the BP neural network shows higher consistency with the actual measured values. The outcome of this study can be used as a theoretical reference for the optimal design of RC beams in practical applications.
Keywords: back-propagation neural network; genetic algorithm; k-fold cross-validation; reinforced concrete beam; torsional behavior.