ASTM D5124-96(2018)

Standard Practice for Testing and Use of a Random Number Generator in Lumber and Wood Products Simulation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Computer simulation is known to be a very powerful analytical tool for both practitioners and researchers in the area of wood products and their applications in structural engineering. Complex structural systems can be analyzed by computer with the computer generating the system components, given the probability distribution of each component. Frequently the components are single boards for which a compatible set of strength and stiffness properties are needed. However, the entire structural simulation process is dependent upon the adequacy of the standard uniform number generator required to generate random observations from prescribed probability distribution functions.  
4.2 The technological capabilities and wide availability of microcomputers has encouraged their increased use for simulation studies. Tests of random number generators in commonly available microcomputers have disclosed serious deficiencies (1).3 Adequacy may be a function of intended end-use. This practice is concerned with generation of sets of random numbers, as may be required for simulations of large populations of material properties for simulation of complex structures. For more demanding applications, the use of packaged and pretested random number generators is encouraged.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice gives a minimum testing procedure of computer generation routines for the standard uniform distribution. Random observations from the standard uniform distribution, RU, range from zero to one with every value between zero and one having an equal chance of occurrence.  
1.2 The tests described in this practice only support the basic use of random number generators, not their use in complex or extremely precise simulations.  
1.3 Simulation details for the normal, lognormal, 2-parameter Weibull and 3-parameter Weibull probability distributions are presented.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.See specific warning statement in 5.5.3.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2018
• ICS: 79.040 - Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber
• Technical Committee: D07 - Wood
• Drafting Committee: D07.05 - Wood Assemblies

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D5124 − 96 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Practice for
Testing and Use of a Random Number Generator in Lumber
1
and Wood Products Simulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5124; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.2 seed value—a number required to start the computer
generation of random numbers. Depending upon the computer
1.1 This practice gives a minimum testing procedure of
system, the seed value is internally provided or it must be user
computer generation routines for the standard uniform distri-
specified. Consult the documentation for the specific random
bution. Random observations from the standard uniform
number generator used.
distribution, R , range from zero to one with every value
U
3.1.3 serial correlation—the statistical correlation between
between zero and one having an equal chance of occurrence.
ordered observations. See 5.2.2.
1.2 The tests described in this practice only support the
3.1.4 standard normal deviate, R —a computer generated
basic use of random number generators, not their use in
N
random observation from the normal probability distribution
complex or extremely precise simulations.
having a mean equal to zero and standard deviation equal to
1.3 Simulation details for the normal, lognormal,
one.
2-parameter Weibull and 3-parameter Weibull probability dis-
3.1.5 standard uniform deviate, R —a random observation
U
tributions are presented.
from the standard uniform distribution.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.6 standard uniform distribution—the probability distri-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
bution defined on the interval 0 to 1, with every value between
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
0 and 1 having an equal chance of occurrence.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.See 3.1.7 trial—a computer experiment, and in this standard the
specific warning statement in 5.5.3. generation and statistical test of one set of random numbers.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4. Significance and Use
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Computer simulation is known to be a very powerful
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
analyticaltoolforbothpractitionersandresearchersinthearea
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of wood products and their applications in structural engineer-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ing. Complex structural systems can be analyzed by computer
with the computer generating the system components, given
2. Referenced Documents
the probability distribution of each component. Frequently the
2
2.1 ASTM Standards: components are single boards for which a compatible set of
E456Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
strength and stiffness properties are needed. However, the
entire structural simulation process is dependent upon the
3. Terminology
adequacyofthestandarduniformnumbergeneratorrequiredto
3.1 Definitions: generate random observations from prescribed probability
3.1.1 period—the number of R deviates the computer distribution functions.
U
generates before the sequence is repeated.
4.2 The technological capabilities and wide availability of
microcomputers has encouraged their increased use for simu-
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D07 on Wood and
lation studies. Tests of random number generators in com-
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.05 on Wood Assemblies.
monly available microcomputers have disclosed serious defi-
Current edition approved July 1, 2018. Published August 2018. Originally
3
ciencies (1). Adequacymaybeafunctionofintendedend-use.
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5124–96(2013).
This practice is concerned with generation of sets of random
DOI: 10.1520/D5124-96R18.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Theboldfacenumbersinparenthesesrefertothelistofreferencesattheendof
the ASTM website. this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D5124 − 96 (2018)
numbers, as may b
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5124 − 96 (Reapproved 2013) D5124 − 96 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Practice for
Testing and Use of a Random Number Generator in Lumber
1
and Wood Products Simulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5124; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice gives a minimum testing procedure of computer generation routines for the standard uniform distribution.
Random observations from the standard uniform distribution, R , range from zero to one with every value between zero and one
U
having an equal chance of occurrence.
1.2 The tests described in this practice only support the basic use of random number generators, not their use in complex or
extremely precise simulations.
1.3 Simulation details for the normal, lognormal, 2-parameter Weibull and 3-parameter Weibull probability distributions are
presented.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.See specific warning statement in 5.5.3.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 period—the number of R deviates the computer generates before the sequence is repeated.
U
3.1.2 seed value—a number required to start the computer generation of random numbers. Depending upon the computer
system, the seed value is internally provided or it must be user specified. Consult the documentation for the specific random
number generator used.
3.1.3 serial correlation—the statistical correlation between ordered observations. See 5.2.2.
3.1.4 standard normal deviate, R —a computer generated random observation from the normal probability distribution having
N
a mean equal to zero and standard deviation equal to one.
3.1.5 standard uniform deviate, R —a random observation from the standard uniform distribution.
U
3.1.6 standard uniform distribution—the probability distribution defined on the interval 0 to 1, with every value between 0 and
1 having an equal chance of occurrence.
3.1.7 trial—a computer experiment, and in this standard the generation and statistical test of one set of random numbers.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Computer simulation is known to be a very powerful analytical tool for both practitioners and researchers in the area of
wood products and their applications in structural engineering. Complex structural systems can be analyzed by computer with the
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.05 on Wood Assemblies.
Current edition approved April 1, 2013July 1, 2018. Published April 2013August 2018. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 20072013 as
D5124 – 96 (2007).(2013). DOI: 10.1520/D5124-96R13.10.1520/D5124-96R18.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D5124 − 96 (2018)
computer generating the system components, given the probability distribution of each component. Frequently the components are
single boards for which a compatible set of strength and stiffness properties are needed. However, the entire structural simulation
process is dependent upon the adequacy of the standard uniform number generator required to generate random observations from
prescribed probability distribution functions.
4.2 The technological capabilities and wide availability of microcomputers
...