Genetic programming based modeling of torsional strength of reinforced concrete beams

This study presents the application of Genetic Programming (GP) for modeling torsional strength of RC beams. In the literature, experimental data of 76 rectangular RC beams from an existing database were used to develop the GP model. The input parameters affecting the torsional strength were selected as cross-sectional area of beams, dimensions of closed stirrups, spacing of stirrups, cross-sectional area of one-leg of closed stirrup, yield strength of stirrup and longitudinal reinforcement, steel ratio of stirrups, steel ratio of longitudinal reinforcement and concrete compressive strength. Besides, the building codes in relation to the design of RC beams under pure torsion is presented. The accuracy of the codes in predicting the torsional strength of RC beams was also compared with the proposed GP model with comparable way by using same test data. The study concludes that the proposed GP model predicts the torsional strength of RC beams by far more accurate than building codes.