This paper sets the foundation for a new methodology to estimate the cost of vulnerabilities to specific industrial sites based on actual components and system configurations subjected to flood hazards. The proposed process offers several key benefits: First, it introduces a method for quantifying the consequences of flood hazards at both subsystem and facility system levels. This provides a valuable facility-level methodology that is used in disaster mitigation planning for industrial process facilities. Secondly, the methodology incorporates a flexible database framework that can easily update whenever facility information (e.g., facility database) or market conditions (e.g., the construction database) evolve. This adaptability ensures the creation of a long-term, customizable VAP solution for individual facilities.

Further development and implementation of the proposed VAP, utilized by multiple facilities within a geographical network, would streamline information on the vulnerabilities exposed by hazardous events. It would also allow for the aggregation of data into a regional vulnerability portfolio to better understand infrastructure-wide performance, and where public and private mitigation investment would be best allocated. Additionally, indirect costs of unplanned facility shutdowns significantly affect plant owners, commodities, and local economies. Understanding scenario-specific flood consequences is the first step in modeling and mitigating these indirect costs.

To see the results in detail and read more about our peer-reviewed publication on this research click on the link below:

Flood damage and shutdown times for industrial process facilities: a vulnerability assessment process framework

Friedland, C.J., Orooji, F., Al Assi, A., Flynn, M. L., and Mostafiz, R.B. (2023). Flood damage and shutdown times for industrial process facilities: A vulnerability assessment process framework. Frontiers in Water, 11, Art. No. 1292564. doi: 10.3389/frwa.2023.1292564

This paper presents a valuable contribution to the industrial sector by introducing a novel vulnerability assessment process (VAP) to increase the understanding of flooding threats to process systems. The primary contribution of this paper is the component-based approach that focuses on the vulnerability of individual components of industrial facilities, the indirect impact of damage from one component to others through the relationship matrix, and the development of a more comprehensive understanding of the potential economic losses caused by flooding. Therefore, the proposed VAP enhances the quality of information used by plant managers in determining the benefits of mitigation techniques in light of mitigation costs. The methodology presented in this paper is developed generally to be flexible to be flexible regarding input data, which includes flood depth-damage functions, indicators of industry types and components, and costs. Therefore, as improved input data are developed, the framework will accommodate its use and generate improved results.