Model-Based Systems Engineering for Design and Automated Operation of Modern Waterway Systems

Waterway and canal systems are particularly cost effective in the transport of bulk and containerized goods to support global trade. Yet, despite these benefits, they are among the most under-appreciated of transportation engineering systems. Looking ahead, the long-term view is not rosy. Failures, delays, incidents, and accidents in aging waterway systems are doing little to attract the technical and economic assistance required for modernization and sustainability. We argue that programs for waterway and canal modernization and sustainability can benefit significantly from system thinking, supported by systems engineering techniques. To support this claim, we develop a framework for the Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) design of modern waterways, especially canal systems. The proposed framework supports organizational, requirements and engineering models. Semi-formal modeling techniques are employed for the representation of project goals and scenarios and high-level models of behavior and structure. The essential features of this framework are highlighted in a case study where model-based systems engineering procedures are used for the design and analysis of a post-Panamax waterlock system. Formal verification procedures to demonstrate that essential system properties such as safety, liveliness and reachability are satisfied are currently under development.