An Approach Using Adaptive Weighted Least Squares Support Vector Machines Coupled with Modified Ant Lion Optimizer for Dam Deformation Prediction

A dam deformation prediction model based on adaptive weighted least squares support vector machines (AWLSSVM) coupled with modified Ant Lion Optimization (ALO) is proposed, which can be utilized to evaluate the operational states of concrete dams. First, the Ant Lion Optimizer, a novel metaheuristic algorithm, is used to determine the punishment factor and kernel width in the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model, which simulates the hunting process of antlions in nature. Second, aiming to solve the premature convergence phenomenon, Levy flight is introduced into the ALO to improve the global optimization ability. Third, according to the statistical characteristics of the datum error, an improved normal distribution weighting rule is applied to update the weighted value of data samples based on the learning result of the LSSVM model. Moreover, taking a concrete arch dam in China as an example, the horizontal displacement recorded by a pendulum is used as a study object. The accuracy and validity of the proposed model are verified and evaluated based on the four evaluating criteria, and the results of the proposed model are compared with those of well-established models. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms other models and effectively overcomes the influence of outliers on the performance of the model. It also has high prediction accuracy, produces excellent generalization performance, and can be a promising alternative technique for the analysis and prediction of dam deformation and other fields, including flood interval prediction, the stock price market, and wind speed forecasting.