StructFlow

Verification & validation

Calculation core validation report

The calculation core has been verified by professors. This report describes how the cloud version is compared with the original research program, independent benchmark solutions, and code hand calculation examples, and how it is verified continuously with every update.

Abstract

The credibility of structural calculation software rests on reproducible evidence of comparison. The StructFlow calculation core derives from Taiwan New RC high-strength reinforced concrete research and has been verified by professors; the cloud version is additionally verified continuously against four classes of benchmarks: the actual output of the original executable, independent benchmark solutions, checks of mechanical consistency, and hand calculation examples from code formulas and spreadsheets. All benchmarks are written as automated tests, and a new version cannot be released if any one of them fails.

Keywordsverification・point-by-point comparison・benchmark solution・regression testing・traceability

1Verification principles

The calculation core has been verified by professors. The calculation methods of StructFlow derive from New RC research, and the algorithms, parameters, and results have been reviewed and verified by the supervising professors.Comparable point by point with the original. Every detail that affects comparison with the original output follows the original; each difference from the original is recorded with its reason, and the calculation core version is printed on the calculation report.Tests are the gate. Verification is not a one-time report but automated tests that must pass at every deployment; a version that fails is not released.

2Verification methods and results

Table 1Verification items, methods, and results
ItemBenchmarkResult
Circular columnActual output of the original executableAgrees point by point
Structural wallOriginal input file and actual outputSection and interaction results agree point by point
Rectangular columnIndependent benchmark solution (multiple angles)Differences within 1%
Load checkIndependent benchmark solution (a large number of random loads)Identical results
Moment–curvatureMechanical consistency checksAll pass
Retaining wallSpreadsheet examples and hand calculation examplesAll pass

The test programs are version-controlled with the source code and re-run in a clean environment before every deployment.

3Handling differences from the original

Differences in behavior from the original found during the rewrite fall into two categories: those retained as in the original to allow point-by-point comparison, and those improved because they are clearly numerical precision issues. Each entry documents the original behavior, the cloud version's approach, and the effect on results, and changes are made only after confirmation by the research team.

4Continuous verification

Every change to the source code re-runs all tests, type checks, and the production build in a clean environment; if any one fails, deployment is blocked. The calculation report prints the calculation core version, so the same input under the same version always gives the same result.

Calculation report preview showing the calculation core version and source
Fig. 1The calculation report states the design basis, calculation core version, and source.

5Planned further verification

To keep raising confidence, more cross-comparison cases against the original executable and existing commercial software are in progress, and results will be updated on this page.

References

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