Citation

Galea ER. J. Fire Sci. 1998; 16(6): 414-436.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Too often, validation of computer models is considered as a "once and forget" task. In this paper a systematic and graduated approach to evacuation model validation is suggested. This involves, 1, Component testing 2. Functional validation 3. Qualitative validation 4. Quantitative validation Viewed in this manner, validation is considered an on-going activity and an integral part of the life cycle of the software. While the first three components of the validation protocol pose little or no significant problems, the task of quantitative validation poses a number of challenges, the most significant being a shortage of suitable experimental data. In addition, the validation protocol used in the development of the EXODUS suite of evacuation models is briefly examined. Finally, while this discussion focuses on the validation of evacuation modulus, the principles of the protocol can be equally applied to fire models.