Neural Network-Pareto Optimization of Mechanical Performance and Embodied Carbon in Lateritic Soil-Stabilized Blocks for Sustainable Low-Cost Housing
2026 9th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (ICAIBD), (2026), pp. 808-812
Dante L. Silva
a
,
Kevin Lawrence M. De Jesus
b
,
Jimmy G. Catanes
c
,
Nenita B. Nagarit
d
,
Meriam P. Leopoldo
e
,
Crispin S. Lictaoa
f
,
Mark Paolo D. Mission
g
a School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering Mapúa University, Manila, Philippines
b Department of Civil Engineering, FEU Institute of Technology, Manila, Philippines
c Commission on Higher Education, Philippines, Manila, Philippines
d Philippine Association of Colleges and University, Commission on Accreditation, Manila, Philippines
e College of Engineering and Architecture, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines
f Civil Engineering Department, Adamson University, Manila, Philippines
g Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
Abstract: In developing countries such as the Philippines, the demand for low-cost housing continues to increase alongside the need to reduce material-related carbon emissions. This study developed an artificial neural network (ANN)-based decisionsupport framework integrated with Pareto optimization to evaluate the mechanical performance and embodied carbon of lateritic soil-stabilized blocks (LSSBs). A total of 216 specimens were tested using different stabilizer types, stabilizer dosages, compaction pressures, and curing durations. Compressive strength was determined through laboratory testing, while embodied carbon was quantified using a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment approach. ANN models were used to predict compressive strength and embodied carbon, followed by sensitivity analysis and multi-objective optimization to identify strength-carbon trade-offs. The results showed that compaction pressure and stabilizer dosage primarily influenced compressive strength, while stabilizer type and dosage governed embodied carbon. Pareto-optimal solutions indicated that structurally adequate and lower-carbon LSSBs can be achieved by improving production control rather than relying on excessive stabilizer use. The proposed framework provides practical mix-selection guidance for sustainable low-cost housing applications.