Intuitionistic Connection Cloud Model Based on Rough Set for Evaluation of the Shrinkage–Swelling of Untreated and Lime-Treated Expansive Clays

Abstract

The evaluation of the shrinkage–swelling characteristic of expansive clay is of great significance, but it is a complex problem since the evaluation process involves numerous uncertain factors, such as randomness, non-subordination, and hesitation uncertainties. Here, an intuitionistic connection cloud model has been proposed to address this issue. First, an evaluation index system is established. According to the reliability of interval-valued evaluation indexes, the corresponding cloud numerical characteristic parameters are specified based on the membership interval generated by the intuitionistic fuzzy principle. Moreover, the improved conditional information entropy based on rough set theory is utilized to assign the index weight. Subsequently, combined with the weight, the intuitionistic connection degree of the sample to the classification standard is determined to identify the shrinkage–swelling grade. Finally, a case study on the shrinkage–swelling grade of untreated and lime-treated expansive clays in Hefei Xinqiao International Airport was performed to illustrate the validity and reliability of the model. The results show that the proposed model is reasonable and feasible for the evaluation of the shrinkage–swelling grade of untreated and lime-treated expansive clays.

Keywords

• expansive clay
• rough set
• intuitionistic fuzzy set
• connection cloud model
• reliability