An efficient artificial neural network model to predict the structural failure of high-density polyethylene offshore net cages in typhoon waves

Offshore net cages are aquaculture facilities that can provide satisfactory volumes of stocked fish. The safety of these structures is of great importance to aquaculture companies. Typhoons are considered to be the main cause of damage to offshore net cages. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict the structural failure of high-density polyethylene offshore net cages in typhoon waves. A case study was conducted where the ANN model was used to predict the structural failure of the offshore net cages around Nanji Island, Wenzhou, China, during Typhoon Maria. Field survey was performed to study the hydrodynamics of the offshore net cages in different wave conditions and the results were used as the training data for the ANN model. By classifying the structural failure, the damage levels of offshore net cages can be predicted and used with wave forecasting before typhoon landing. Field survey was carried out immediately after the typhoon. The prediction and field survey results showed that the proposed ANN model can accurately predict the damage levels of offshore net cages under the influence of typhoon waves.