Hybrid System with Artificial Neural Networks and Evolutionary Computation in Civil Engineering

Abstract

This chapter proposes an application of two techniques of artificial intelligence in a civil engineering area: the artificial neural networks (ANN) and the evolutionary computation (EC). In this chapter, it is shown how these two techniques can work together in order to solve a problem in hydrology. This problem consists on modeling the effect of rain on the runoff flow in a typical urban basin. The ultimate goal is to design a real-time alarm system for floods or subsidence warning in various types of urban basins. A case study is included as an example.