Detection of corrosion on steel structures using an artificial neural network

Image based-corrosion detection has become a widespread practice for steel structures, but fine-tuning their model parameters is time-consuming. Alternatively, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can also be trained fast and automatically, but they demand a huge training dataset. In this paper, a corrosion detection approach based on an artificial neural network (ANN) whose training dataset size is less than 0.1% of that of typical CNNs is introduced. The input layer of the proposed ANN consists of textural and color properties. In the present work, different color spaces and textural properties are examined for their impact on the robustness of the ANN. Results reveal that the best color channels can be achieved by combining CIE L*u*v* and YUV color spaces. Moreover, energy is selected as the best texture feature with respect to the ANN robustness. The proposed ANN outperforms an available image processing algorithm from the perspective of both speed and accuracy. In conclusion, this ANN can be used for actual applications after a fast and straightforward training step.