APPLICATION OF AN IMPROVED PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION TO THE CORROSION DEPTH PREDICTION IN CONCRETE SEWER PIPES

Abstract

  This paper describes an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) which is one of the practical optimization methods for metaheuristics strategies. The proposed method is able to improve the search efficiency of the optimal solution by a synergistic effect of the two functions, that is an efficient narrowing-down function for solution space and a slowdown function in the particles. This paper also describes the results of applying the method to an actual deteriorating concrete sewer pipe by bacterial corrosion. It will be able to become a practical prediction tool for corrosion depth in sewer pipes and also to help to establish the rational maintenance strategies for sewer pipe networks.