The following products are expected to result from the proposed study: (a) a general framework and a toolbox for development of fuzzy neural network model for a typical geotechnical problem, and (b) a trained model for the development of pile driving criteria. The model will be implemented in form of user friendly software with a convenient graphical user interface (GUI). A user friendly manual will also be developed. A brief training module will also be provided.
Once this study is completed other specific models can be easily developed for other specific problems. Since this new approach of modeling is based on observational data, and NCDOT has at its disposal good data bases for several problems, it is expected that this study will facilitate the development of specific models for several other problems of interest to NCDOT engineers. These models will be capable of incorporating the accumulated experience of NCDOT engineers. This will also lead to development of organized databases for several significant problems.
