Title:
Sanity Checks and Self-Checking of Finite Element Models
Author(s):
Paul Schuman
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F24_Schuman.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
11/3/2024
Abstract:
A sanity check is a basic test used to quickly evaluate a finite element model to confirm whether the results represent realistic behavior, to ensure that the model is working as expected, and to confirm whether the model is providing results that make sense. A sanity check is not a detailed test or check of inputs or other modeling decisions, nor does it take the place of comprehensive quality control and quality assurance. Rather, a sanity check involves engineers evaluating results at important features and critical model locations and comparing them to their understanding of expected structural behavior to identify potential errors. It is good practice for all engineers to incorporate sanity checks throughout the modeling process to both save time and money, as well as to confirm the engineers’ understanding of the model. Performing a sanity check requires engineering judgment and a practical understanding of what they expect from the model in advance of the analyses. Not performing regular sanity checks on finite element models can result in significant inefficiencies in both the analysis and design process due to unnecessary re-work. More importantly, not performing sanity checks can lead to errors in the design and detailing of concrete structures. When to perform sanity checks, the goals of sanity checks, the benefits of sanity checks, the importance of sanity checking a model for concrete structures, and some basic types of sanity checks are addressed in this presentation. The presentation will conclude with examples of sanity checks used in real-world design and analysis applications.