Reservoir Overtop: Risk Assessment

This model demonstrates how risk analysis in GoldSim can integrate reliability elements.

In this model, a dam reservoir has a stochastic inflow and consumption rate. It also has two spillways - a passive spillway that begins to drain the reservoir when it reaches 16ft, and an emergency spillway that is opened when the water level reaches 17.5 feet, and closed when it returns to 16 ft. The flow rate out of both spillways is dependent on the amount of water in the reservoir.

The opening of the gates is modeled with an Action element called Open_Emergency_Spillway triggered when the water level reaches 17.5 ft. It requires that either the Power_Grid function element or the Backup_Generator function element are operating. The Open_Emergency_Spillway, Power_Grid and Backup_Generator elements all have exponential failure modes that are automatically repaired.

The reservoir spills its banks when the water level reaches 20ft.

The model is run over 5 years, with a one day timestep. The likelihood of the reservoir spilling over its banks can be seen in the "Overtop Result" Distribution Result element.

To Open the Model File:

1. Start GoldSim
2. Click on the File and select Open Example...
3. Browse to Reliability Examples
4. Select the file called Overtop.gsm