de Silva, N; Ranasinghe, M and de Silva, C R (2013) Use of ANNs in complex risk analysis applications. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 3(1), pp. 123-140. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: Artificial neural network (ANN) has been used for risk analysis in various applications such as engineering, financial and facilities management. However, use of a single network has become less accurate when the problem is complex with a large number of variables to be considered. Ensemble neural network (ENN) architecture has proposed to overcome these difficulties of solving a complex problem. ENN consists of many small "expert networks" that learn small parts of the complex problem, which are established by decomposing it into its sub levels. This paper seeks to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach: ENN model was developed to analyze risks in maintainability of buildings which is known as a complex problem with a large number of risk variables. The model comprised four expert networks to represent building components of roof, façade, internal areas and basement. The accuracy of the model was tested using two error terms such as network error and generalization error. Findings: The results showed that ENN performed well in solving complex problems by decomposing the problem into its sub levels. Originality/value: The application of ensemble network would create a new concept of analyzing complex risk analysis problems. The study also provides a useful tool for designers, clients, facilities managers/maintenance managers and users to analyze maintainability risks of buildings at early stages.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | artificial neural networks; building maintainability; ensemble neural networks; maintenance; maintenance management; neural nets; risk analysis |
| Index terms: | neural net, maintainability, maintenance management, manager, artificial neural network, accuracy, designer, neural network, facilities manager, methodology, building component, facilities management, roof, risk analysis |
| Subjects: | modelling and simulation, artificial intelligence, profession, practitioner, environmental hazards, management, architectural elements, design practice, research methods, maintenance engineering, professional development |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Digital Applications, Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Information Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here