Some aspects of application of artificial neural network for numerical modeling in civil engineering

In order to obtain reliable results of computations in civil engineering, the numerical procedures that are used at the stage of design should be calibrated by comparison of the theoretical results with an observed behavior of previously modeled and then executed structures. The hybrid Finite Element code with an Artificial Neural Network inserted as a representation of a constitutive law, offers a possibility to adjust not only parameters of the constitutive relationships but also its qualitative form. Because of this, the representation of constitutive law by the ANN is presented in this paper. The constitutive data should be calibrated to fit well the observable values, measured in experiments. If the constitutive law is expressed by ANN, the inverse problem can be reduce to a training of the ANN inserted into the Finite Element code. An example of a solution of the inverse problem in calibration of constitutive law is presented. An identification of parameters of flow of pollutant in soils is described as another example of application of ANN in engineering.