Verification & Validation

A part of the Quality Assurance Program (QAP) implemented by StructurePoint at every phase of Software development, a verification and validation (V&V) manual summarizes extensive test results conducted on our structural analysis and design software programs. spQuality is intended to establish and document the quality of the software and to serve as means of ensuring software compliance and conformance with analysis methods, numerical procedures, and applicable structural design standards. It also establishes that the logic and structure of the software correctly processes user input and leads to accurate and correct output.

A demonstration of StructurePoint’s quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) program, this manual conforms to the requirements stated in Section 4.10: Inspection and Testing of the ANSI/ISO/ASQC Q9000-3-1997, Quality management and quality assurance standards-Part 3: Guidelines for the application of ANSI/ISO/ASQC Q9001-1994 to the development, supply, installation and maintenance of computer software.

Verification and validation testing consists of:

• Selecting numerous examples from publicly available and reputable engineering textbooks and manuals
• Solving these examples using StructurePoint software programs
• Detailed comparison of software results with hand calculations and credible references

Test examples were chosen to include a wide variety of material properties, section geometry, structure types, loading and support conditions, slenderness effects, etc.

Testing was based on a comparison between the program and generated output results and the solution results given the referenced texts or hand calculations, A number of values (test parameters) were chosen to compare from each example and laid out in the following tabular format:

• Description of tested parameter
• Reference value as calculated in the reference example
• Program value as generated by StructurePoint software

The degree of agreement provided between the software and reference example values is not always 100%. In some cases deviations occur within an example due to the method of solution used being approximate, simplifiying input assumptions, rounding of values, and the use of approximate formulas in the reference. Where relevant, the results comparison table provides explanatory footnotes indicating the source and extent of discrepancy.

An example may refer to multiple editions of engineering textbooks, manuals, and structural design standards. In these cases, compared results remained unchanged throughout the various editions of a reference. The editions of a reference and corresponding StructurePoint software input files are listed in each example.

The verification manual aims to address essential requirements for reinforced concrete buildings and non-building structures including the structural design standards thoroughly implemented by the PCA, CAC, and the StructurePoint engineers. The scope of the examples chosen includes such topics as:

The structural design standards presented in this verification manual and covered by examples are described in the following table for the version of each software program.

The information in this manual is not for publication and distribution. StructurePoint requires the user to indicate the version used by their employees and ensure that it shall not be distributed or circulated outside their company. This document and its revisions shall be treated as confidential intellectual property and preserve all copyrights to this material to avoid risk of persecution.

Thank you for your interest in StructurePoint software. By filling out the request form and pressing submit you agree and attest to the following:

• The manual is not intended for publication
• The manual will be used only by employees of current StructurePoint clients
• The manual will not be distributed or circulated outside of your company
• The manual will be treated as confidential intellectual property
• The manual copyrights and all its supporting materials will be preserved