Lazy Shape Analysis

Abstract. Many software model checkers are based on predicate abstraction. If the verification goal depends on pointer structures, the approach does not work well, because it is difficult to find adequate predstractions for the heap. In contrast, shape analysis, which uses sed heap abstractions, can provide a compact representation of recursive data structures. We integrate shape analysis into the software model checker Blast. Because shape analysis is expensive, we do not apply it globally. Instead, we ensure that, like predicates, shape graphs are computed and stored locally, only where necessary for proving the verifioal. To achieve this, we extend lazy abstraction refinement, which so far has been used only for predicate abstractions, to three-valued logical structures. This approach does not only increase the precision of model checking, but it also increases the efficiency of shape analysis. We implemented the technique by extending Blast with calls to Tvla.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: CAV
• Authors: Dirk Beyer, Thomas A. Henzinger, Grégory Théoduloz
• Keywords: CAV 2006, Hardware, Predicate Abstractions, Shape Analysis, Software Model Checker