Table 1 Empirical review of existing methods.

From: Optimization and predictive performance of fly ash-based sustainable concrete using integrated multitask deep learning framework with interpretable machine learning techniques

Reference

Method Used

Model Type

Dataset Size

Reported R² / MSE

Findings

Interpretability Features

Limitations

Alam, M.F. et al.36

Nano-silica analysis and prediction

Statistical + Empirical

200

R² = 0.80

Improved mechanical properties in self-compacting concrete

Not Reported

Poor generalizability to non-nano systems

Islam, N. et al.37

Deep Learning Techniques

CNN/ANN

850

R² ≈ 0.85, MSE ≈ 3.00

High-performance concrete strength prediction

Limited (Black-box model)

Low interpretability

Jibril, M.M. et al.3

Evolutionary Computational Intelligence

Metaheuristic-based ANN

900

R² = 0.84, MSE = 3.20

Good predictive accuracy for high-strength concrete

Not Explicit

Implementation complexity

Jubori, D.S.A. et al.38

Machine Learning Technique

Decision Trees / RF

700

R² ≈ 0.82

Reliable blended concrete predictions

Limited

Requires extensive preprocessing

Kashem, A. et al.39

Hybrid ML with SHAP

Ensemble + SHAP

850

R² = 0.88, MSE = 2.80

Strong performance with global interpretability

SHAP

Computational overhead

Kazemifard, S. et al.40

Maturity Method with NDT

Empirical

400

R² = 0.81

Effective for specific curing age conditions

Not Included

Method-specific limitation

Khodaparasti, M. et al.41

Improved Random Forest

Ensemble Tree-Based

750

R² ≈ 0.87

High accuracy on diverse mixes

Not Discussed

Complex model tuning

Li, E. et al.8

XGBoost + Squirrel Search

Optimization + ML

1000

R² = 0.86, MSE = 3.00

Effective for sustainable concrete prediction

Partial (Feature ranking)

Algorithmic complexity

Li, M. et al.42

ANN-Based Forecast (Temperature)

Feedforward Neural Network

500

R² = 0.84

Reliable for cooling control

Not Relevant

Limited to thermal analysis

Lu, C43.

LS-SVR (Automated)

Support Vector Regression

720

R² = 0.87

Accurate high-performance concrete prediction

Not Explained

High computational load

Meng, X44.

AutoML for HPC

AutoML Framework

1000

R² = 0.89

Enhanced performance through model automation

Implicit

Dependent on data quality

Nigam, M. et al.45

Random Forest

Tree-Based Ensemble

780

R² = 0.88

Accurate for nano-silica concrete

Low

Poor explainability

Onyelowe, K.C. et al.46

GRG-Optimized RSM

Optimization + Statistical

600

R² = 0.86

Design chart for concrete mix optimization

None

Needs heavy experimentation

Sapkota, S.C. et al.47

Ensemble ML

Voting Ensemble

900

R² ≈ 0.87

Robust prediction for normal concrete

Not Included

Long training time

Saxena, A. et al.15

Regression Analysis

Statistical

800

R² = 0.88, MSE = 2.90

Strong correlation with sustainable concrete properties

Not Included

Limited to linear patterns

Shubham, K. et al.48

Deep Neural Networks

DNN

950

R² = 0.87, MSE = 2.95

High accuracy for industrial waste-incorporated concrete

None

High data requirements

Tabrizikahou, A. et al.49

Soft Computing Techniques

Hybrid ANN + GA

650

R² ≈ 0.85

Good predictions for shear strength

Limited

Complex model structure

Xue, X. et al.50

Soft Computing

Neuro-Fuzzy Systems

700

R² = 0.86

Accurate bond strength prediction for FRP reinforced concrete

Not Discussed

Heavy feature engineering

Yao, G. et al.51

Strut-and-Tie Model

Mechanistic

300

R² = 0.82

Reliable beam strength prediction

None

Limited applicability

Yu, L52.

Hybrid Regression Framework

Hybrid Regression

700

R² = 0.85

Effective prediction for RCA concrete

Low

Interpretability challenges

Zhou, J. et al.53

NDT with AI

Signal Processing + AI

400

N/A

Accurate rebar depth and location estimation

Not Relevant

NDT-specific setup

Chen, C. et al.54

Hybrid DNN for Tunneling Machines

DNN with Task-Specific Blocks

800

R² = 0.90

Accurate force prediction in tunnel boring

None

High computation

Diksha et al.55

Alccofine-Based Geopolymer Concrete

Empirical + ML

650

R² ≈ 0.86

Good performance in geopolymer-based concretes

Not Included

Requires material-specific tuning

Imran, M. et al.56

ML Algorithms for HPC

Multiple ML models

1000

R² = 0.88

Improved accuracy over empirical formulas

Implicit

High data dependency

Proposed Model (This Study)

Hybrid XGBoost + DNN + AutoML + MTL

Ensemble + Deep Learning

1030

R² = 0.91, MSE = 2.45

Accurate, interpretable, robust; SHAP & LIME used effectively

SHAP + LIME

Limited to datasets with detailed input params