A machine learning-based structural load estimation model for shear-critical RC beams and slabs using multifractal analysis

•A novel structural load-level estimation model for RC beams using multifractal features is developed.•Multifractal features from both singularity and generalized dimension spectra are extracted for model development.•SHapley Additive explanation (SHAP) is used for model interpretation.•Dataset spans reinforced concrete beams and slabs without transverse reinforcements.