Examining Hybrid and Single SVM Models with Different Kernels to Predict Rock Brittleness

The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to assess the performance accuracy of support vector machine (SVM) models with different kernels to predict rock brittleness and (2) compare the inputs’ importance in different SVM models. To this end, the authors developed eight SVM models with different kernel types, i.e., the radial basis function (RBF), the linear (LIN), the sigmoid (SIG), and the polynomial (POL). Four of these models were developed using only the SVM method, while the four other models were hybridized with a feature selection (FS) technique. The performance of each model was assessed using five performance indices and a simple ranking system. The results of this study show that the SVM models developed using the RBF kernel achieved the highest ranking values among single and hybrid models. Concerning the importance of variables for predicting the brittleness index (BI), the Schmidt hammer rebound number (Rn) was identified as the most important variable by the three single-based models, developed by POL, SIG, and LIN kernels. However, the single SVM model developed by RBF identified density as the most important input variable. Concerning the hybrid SVM models, three models that were developed using the RBF, POL, and SIG kernels identified the point load strength index as the most important input, while the model developed using the LIN identified the Rn as the most important input. All four single-based SVM models identified the p-wave velocity (Vp) as the least important input. Concerning the least important factors for predicting the BI of the rock in hybrid-based models, Vp was identified as the least important factor by FS-SVM-POL, FS-SVM-SIG, and FS-SVM-LIN, while the FS-SVM-RBF identified Rn as the least important input.