ISO/TC 92/SC 4/WG 7 - Verification and validation of calculation methods

ISO 16730-1:2015 establishes a framework for the verification and validation of all types of calculation methods used as tools for fire safety engineering by specifying specific procedures and requirements for the purpose. It does not address specific fire models, but it is applicable to analytical models, algebraic correlations and complex numerical models, which are addressed as calculation methods in the context of this International Standard. This International Standard includes - a process to determine that the relevant equations and calculation methods are implemented correctly (verification) and that the calculation method being considered is an accurate representation of the real world (validation), - requirements for documentation to demonstrate the adequacy of the scientific and technical basis of a calculation method, - requirements for data against which a calculation method's predicted results are checked, and - guidance on use of this International Standard by developers and/or users of calculation methods, and by those assessing the results obtained by using calculation methods.

ISO 16730‑1 describes what the contents of a technical documentation and of a user's manual should be for an assessment, if the application of a calculation method as engineering tool to predict real-world scenarios leads to validated results. The purpose of ISO/TR 16730-3:2013 is to show how ISO 16730‑1 is applied to a calculation method, for a specific example. It demonstrates how technical and users' aspects of the method are properly described in order to enable the assessment of the method in view of verification and validation. The example in ISO/TR 16730-3:2013 describes the application of procedures given in ISO 16730‑1 for a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model (ISIS). The main objective of the specific model treated in ISO/TR 16730-3:2013 is the simulation of a fire in an open environment or confined compartments with natural or forced ventilation system.

ISO 16730‑1 describes what the contents of a technical documentation and of a user's manual should be for an assessment, if the application of a calculation method as engineering tool to predict real-world scenarios leads to validate results. The purpose of ISO 16730-5:2013 is to show how ISO 16730‑1 is applied to a calculation method, for a specific example. It demonstrates how technical and users' aspects of the method are properly described in order to enable the assessment of the method in view of verification and validation. The example in ISO 16730-5:2013 describes the application of procedures given in ISO 16730‑1 for an evacuation model (EXIT89). The main objective of the specific model treated in ISO 16730-5:2013 is the simulation of the evacuation of a high-rise building with a large occupant population.

ISO 16730-4:2013 shows how ISO 16730‑1 is applied to a calculation method for a specific example. It demonstrates how technical and users' aspects of the method are properly described in order to enable the assessment of the method in view of verification and validation. The example it gives describes the application of procedures given in ISO 16730‑1 for a structural fire resistance model. The main objective of the specific model treated here is the simulation of the heat transfer and structural responses of wall assemblies.

ISO/TR 16730-2:2013 shows how ISO 16730‑1 is applied to a calculation method for a specific example. It demonstrates how technical and users' aspects of the method are properly described in order to enable the assessment of the method in view of verification and validation. ISO/TR 16730-2:2013 describes the application of procedures given in ISO 16730‑1 for a fire zone model (CFAST). The main objective of the specific model treated here is the simulation of a fire in an open environment or in confined compartments with a natural or forced ventilation system.

ISO 16730:2008 provides a framework for assessment, verification and validation of all types of calculation methods used as tools for fire safety engineering. It does not address specific fire models, but is intended to be applicable to both analytical models and complex numerical models that are addressed as calculation methods in the context of this International Standard. It is not a step-by-step procedure, but does describe techniques for detecting errors and finding limitations in a calculation method. ISO 16730:2008 includes the following: a process to ensure that the equations and calculation methods are implemented correctly (verification) and that the calculation method being considered is solving the appropriate problem (validation); requirements for documentation to demonstrate the adequacy of the scientific and technical basis of a calculation method; requirements for data against which a calculation method's predicted results shall be checked; guidance on use of this ISO 16730:2008 by developers and/or users of calculation methods, and by those assessing the results obtained by using calculation methods.