In general, the validation process makes it possible to answer the question: “Are we solving the proper mathematical equations modeling the considered mechanical phenomena?”. Thus, the process of the validation and verification of the computational models acquires particular significance. However, not all software companies provide theory manuals for their products: the users have to use the software without being informed on how the finite element is constructed in some cases, the software serves as a black box. Many FEM-based computational systems are used in practice. The Finite Element Method (FEM) has become a universal tool of the analysis of the response of engineering structures. The presented approach to the verification of complex shell–bar models can be effectively applied by structural designers. The good agreement between different models and systems was obtained for the first natural frequency with axisymmetric eigenmodes (except from the Autodesk Robot system). In general, the spatial models predicted a less stiff behavior of the analyzed dome than the planar models. A detailed comparison between the systems’ and models’ predictions was made. The results of the static (with two kinds of load-self-weight and load distributed along the upper ring) and modal analyses are presented. Different models were also analyzed-two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ones using continuum, bar, and shell finite elements.

Four computational systems were used, namely Abaqus, Autodesk Robot, Dlubal RFEM, and FEAS. The present paper puts forward a new method of verification and validation of the structural analyses upon an illustrative example of a dome strengthened by circumferential ribs along the upper and lower edges. Any assessment of reliability of such analyses is difficult and can only be approximate. The designers of civil engineering structures often have to face the problem of the reliability of complex computational analyses performed most often with the Finite Element Method (FEM).

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