FAQ 3.1 What simulation time steps does RIBASIM supports?

Answer. The standard RIBASIM time steps are month, half-month, decade (10 daily), week and day. But if needed any time step definition is technically possible. FAQ 4.4 outlines the procedure to set the simulation time step.

FAQ 3.2 Does RIBASIM consider leap years?

Answer. Yes. RIBASIM consider leap years as well. See FAQ 4.3.

FAQ 3.3 Can RIBASIM simulate a development over time or adaptation path?

Answer. Yes. You can simulate a development over time or an adaptation path from RIBASIM Version 7.01.23 and later. You can specify a time label to each supply, demand and infrastructure measure indicating the time that the measure will become active.

FAQ 3.4 How do I know to model a specific situation in RIBASIM?

Answer. If you want to model a specific situation than you must be creative in using the available RIBASIM features. You can tryout your potential solutions in a small representative network schematization.

Another suggestion is to view and judge the example models provided with the software in directory “Example models”. In the provided Excel file “Overview of example models.xlsx” an overview of all example models and its feature is listed.

Further you can view the documentation provided in directory “Manuals” like the technical reference manuals.

Finally you can request Deltares staff to support you.

FAQ 3.5 Can you suggest a practical IWRM book to be downloaded from internet?

Answer. The book “Water Resources Systems Planning and Management, An Introduction to Methods, Models and Applications” from P. Loucks and E. van Beek, UNESCO 2005 Publications, ISBN 92-3-103998-9, is an interesting book which you can download from internet for free.

FAQ 3.6 Can RIBASIM simulate network loops?

Answer. Yes. Sometime a river basin network schematization has a loop for example if the return flow of an irrigation area flows into the river or lake upstream of the intake. For a valid RIBASIM network schematization you must include a terminal node connected with a variable or fixed inflow node in the loop. See Figure 2. The flow out of the Terminal node returns into the Inflow node with a delay of one timestep.

 Figure 2 Network schematization of a loop in RIBASIM.

FAQ 3.7 How can I design a strategy in RIBASIM?

Answer. A strategy is a combination of measures. You can make any combination of any type of measures like demand, supply, infrastructure and operation measures. The strategy design is in 2 steps: first you specify your measures in a measure file or “Mes”-file, and second you combine the measures into strategies (management actions). The procedure is outlined in directory “Manuals” and subdirectory “Preparing measure Mes files” provided with the software.