EvaDAT - Quality assurance according to VDI 6201 for software-supported structural analysis
How can it be ensured that what is numerically calculated with software programs and presented in the result views as “pretty colourful pictures” is actually correct?
On the software development side, this means clarifying: Does the program calculate correctly? What is behind it, and which theories are used? On the software application side, users must ask: Is the program suitable for the specific task at all? Is the program also being used correctly by the user? Are the subtleties of the program known?
EvaDAT is the answer!
On the EvaDAT platform, neutral evaluation examples based on the guideline “VDI 6201 Software-supported structural analysis” are made available so that users can check their own results.
The basic idea of EvaDAT is that evaluation examples are contributed by the professional community: via the platform, three independent users with three different software programs come together, each work on an example and, after discussion, possible revision and evaluation of the results, release this example, meaning that they “qualify” it. The examples should highlight one particular characteristic (for example: whether the shear component is considered for thick components) so that differences remain identifiable. In terms of character, everything may be included: from simple FEM benchmarks to discussion-worthy questions from practice. From students to recognised experts in a field, everyone can derive valuable content-related and program-specific information.
Use the published evaluation examples for your own quality assurance. A selection of key benefits that EvaDAT offers you is summarised under About EvaDAT/Why EvaDAT?.
EvaDAT - The platform for implementing the guideline “VDI 6201 Software-supported structural analysis”
Due to the many different calculation paths in civil engineering, there cannot be a TÜV-like authority; responsibility, warranty and liability always remain with the software user. For this purpose, VDI 6201 requires that neutral (!) evaluation examples be provided to users, enabling them to determine whether they obtain comparable results with their own software. The guideline defines the form and content of the examples and includes five sample examples. Further examples are to be collected in a database over time. EvaDAT implements this database!
For the guideline, Part 1: Principles, requirements, modelling and Part 2: Verification examples have been published.
Research project: Concept and development of a standardised example database for software-supported structural analysis based on VDI 6201 for the use of structural analysis software in BIM-based process chains
The conception and initial development of the database were carried out from 2016 to 2019 in a research project at the University of Wuppertal as part of the “Zukunft Bau” research initiative of the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) of the Federal Ministry responsible for building. The project was supported by 18 renowned industry partners.
More under About EvaDAT/Research project.
Curious to learn more?
Using the EvaDAT platform is free of charge. To access all content without restrictions, you need to be registered and logged in. If you add your company to your profile, you can also show externally that your company is engaged in quality assurance for software-supported structural analysis according to VDI 6201.
An explanation of how to use existing evaluation examples and instructions for adding new evaluation examples can be found under About EvaDAT/How it works.
