Systems Modelling Applied to Synthesis of Resiliency Design Patterns in Distributed Smart City Water Systems

Leveraging systems modelling based on affordable and accessible digital modelling technology can help the small companies that make up the Norwegian urban infrastructure sector deliver the reliable engineering required for complex projects. Model-based engineering (MBE) can enhance their ability to capture, analyze, share, and manage information, and leveraging the potential for automation can support information reuse and make complex information easier to maintain. The challenge is to determine not only the appropriate tools but also the way to introduce these in the network of small companies involved in infrastructure projects. One specific focus of this project will be Smart City water runoff infrastructure. This domain has been slower than others to adopt new technology. However, with extreme weather events and heavy rainfall increasing in intensity and frequency, there is an acute need to modernize how urban water infrastructure is designed, constructed and maintained.

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Model-Based Engineering (MBE) is increasingly being used in infrastructure projects, but so far these systems are expensive and complex, and not well suited to the small companies that make up majority of the infrastructure supply network. Leveraging systems modelling based on affordable and accessible digital modelling technology can help the small companies that make up the urban infrastructure sector deliver the reliable engineering required in complex projects. Small teams of engineers working in different areas can work on a common model, and significantly reduce the complications that arise in coordinating engineering activities. MBE can enhance the ability to capture, analyse, share, and manage information. Leveraging the potential for automation inherent in a model-based approach can support information re-use and make complex information easier to maintain. For small companies this can mean reduced cycle time, lower maintenance cost, and over-all improved product quality. The challenge is to determine not only the appropriate tools, but also the way to introduce these in the network of small companies involved in infrastructure projects. The study will use a mixed method grounded theory (MM-GT) exploratory sequential design for instrument development, and will be organized as Action Research (AR). The later phases will validate qualitative findings quantitatively with a larger sample drawn from industry clusters such as Smart Water Norway. The specific focus of this project will be Smart City water runoff infrastructure. Compared to other applications such as Smart Grid technology and building automation, this domain has been slower to adopt new technology. However, with extreme weather events and heavy rainfall increasing in intensity and frequency, there is an acute need to modernize how urban water infrastructure is designed, constructed and maintained.