← Use Cases Operate
What is this?
Decide when to close barriers, activate pumps, open sluices, or divert floodwater through emergency channels during a flood event.
When does it happen?
When river levels, tides, or storm surges exceed trigger thresholds. Decisions often needed within hours, sometimes minutes.
What data is used?
Real-time water levels, surge forecasts, barrier status, downstream capacity, shipping schedules.
What decision is made?
“Close the barrier now or wait? Activate pumps? Divert flow?”
What action follows?
Close barriers; start pumps; open overflow channels; coordinate with shipping and upstream operators.
Related decision patterns
Proven strategies for handling this scenario:
Movable flood barriers
Low-lying coastal and riverside areas face periodic flooding from storm surges and high tides. Permanent walls would block navigation and access.
Integrated flood systems
No single flood defence can handle every type of flooding. Rivers, rainfall, tides, and groundwater can all cause floods, sometimes simultaneously.
Case studies
Real-world examples of this use case in practice: