Journal of New Approaches in Water Engineering and Environment
Scientific Journal

Machine Learning models for High-Accuracy Prediction of Energy Dissipation Through Gabion Sills Downstream of Spillways

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Shahram Shakeri yousefi 1
Mohsen Najarchi 1
Mehdi Fuladipanah 2
Mahmood Rabani Bidgoli 3

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Ar. C., Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran.

2 Department of Civil Engineering Ramh. C., Islamic AzadUniversity,Ramhormoz, Iran.

3 Department of Civil Engineering, Jasb. C., Islamic Azad University, Jasb, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22034/nawee.2025.507107.1140
Abstract
This study evaluates the energy dissipation efficiency of gabion structures positioned downstream of spillways by employing three machine learning models (MLMs): Support Vector Regression (SVR), Gene Expression Programming (GEP), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Utilizing 155 laboratory-derived datasets, the models were trained (70%) and tested (30%) to predict energy dissipation performance under varying hydraulic conditions. GEP emerged as the most accurate model, achieving exceptional training-phase metrics (RMSE=0.00308, MAE=0.00250, R²=0.93648), closely followed by ANN, while SVR lagged in predictive capability. During testing, GEP maintained its superiority, reinforcing its robustness, with ANN remaining competitive and SVR continuing to underperform. Sensitivity analysis via the Γ-test identified dimensionless parameters- relative tailwater depth ("y" _"2" /"y" _"1" ), gabion height-to-upstream flow depth ratio ("h" /"y" _"1" ), aggregate size-to-upstream flow depth ratio ("d" /"y" _"1" ), inflow Froude number (Fr₁)- as critical drivers of energy dissipation. These findings underscore the efficacy of evolutionary algorithms like GEP in capturing complex hydraulic interactions, attributed to their ability to evolve interpretable mathematical expressions. ANN, though less interpretable, proved a reliable alternative, while SVR’s limitations in handling nonlinear relationships were evident. The study highlights the potential of MLMs, particularly GEP, to enhance spillway design by optimizing energy dissipation, reducing erosion risks, and improving infrastructure resilience. Future work could explore hybrid models, larger datasets, and field validations to refine and broaden applicability in hydraulic engineering practice.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence
Energy Loss
Sensitivity Analysis
Performance Assessment
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Journal of New Approaches in Water Engineering and Environment
Volume 4, Issue 2
Special Issue: Guest Editor: Prof. Ozgur Kisi
September 2025
Pages 91-106

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