• InfoWorks ICM

About 1D simulations

Describe how simulations are run in InfoWorks ICM, as well as the options that are used to configure the simulations.


In InfoWorks ICM, the behavior of a network is modelled by running simulations. These simulations test the performance of the network over time and identify limits in the system.

The details of simulations are set up in the database as runs. When a run is set up, one or more time-varying inputs can be specified for use in calculations.

The Run View allows you to create new simulations or edit existing simulations.

A presentation slide about the Run View, which allows you to create or edit simulations, with an image of the Run dialog box.

Simulation parameters govern how the engine performs the model calculations in the hydraulic simulation. Default values are chosen for optimum accuracy and performance. They can be adjusted if necessary.

Typically, the only time-related adjustment you may make is to the simulation timestep. This is the maximum timestep at which the hydraulic calculations will be carried out. A smaller timestep may ensure more consistent and accurate results at the cost of speed. The timestep automatically adjusts during the simulation to optimize accuracy and efficiency.

A number of settings and options can help you set up your simulation:

  • Initializing Simulations:

A presentation slide explains the initialization process before a simulation, which aims to get the model to a steady state by injecting inflows until meeting the defined tolerance.

If the initialization fails to achieve a steady state, a number of options are available:

A presentation slide about options available if the initialization fails to achieve a steady state, such as setting 1D/2D conditions, with an image of the relevant options.

  • Episode Collection: An episode collection can be used in a run to determine start and end times of events for the simulation. Episodes can be automatically generated from statistical report or csv data.
  • Timestep Control:

A presentation slide about using Timestep Control options to define criteria under with Dry Weather Flow (DWF) applies, with an image of the Timestep Control Option dialog box.

  • Diagnostics:

A presentation slide with an image of the Diagnostics dialog box, where you can set thresholds for performance monitoring and select information to include in the simulation log.

Once you click to run the simulation, you have scheduling options:

A presentation slide detailing simulation scheduling options, such as the results storage location and the start time, with an image of the Schedule Job(s) dialog box.

The Job Control window displays the order and status of simulations. The status of a job currently being run can be viewed in the Job Progress window.

A presentation slide stating that you can check the order and status of simulations in the Job Control window, and the status of the job being run in the Job Progress window, with images of each.

The color-coded icon displayed by the simulation in the database and the color of the simulation row in the Job Control window indicate the status of the simulation:

A presentation slide with a Job Control Color Coding table of icons and the simulation status that each color indicates when it appears in the database and in the simulation row in the Job Control window.