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Abstract Many of the world's greatest challenges are complex socio-environmental problems, often framed in terms of integrated assessment, resilience or sustainability. To resolve any of these challenges, it is essential to elicit and integrate knowledge across a range of systems, informing the design of solutions that take into account the complex and uncertain nature of the individual systems and their interrelationships. To meet this scientific challenge, we propose a tiered, system-of-systems modeling framework with these elements: a component-based, software framework that couples a wide range of relevant systems using a modular, system-of-systems structure; a tiered structure with different levels of abstraction that spans bottom-up and top-down approaches; the ability to inform robust decisions in the face of deep uncertainty; and the systematic integration of multiple knowledge domains and disciplines. We illustrate the application of the framework, and identify research and education initiatives that are needed to facilitate its development and implementation. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A generic approach to resolving families of complex socio-environmental problems. • Combines a system-of-systems framework with the integrated assessment methodology. • Has a tiered structure with different levels of abstraction. • Accommodates the need for decision-making in the face of deep uncertainty. • Systematically integrates multiple knowledge domains and disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common temporary flood-fighting technique is the construction of piles of sandbags. A recent alternative is the use of inflated geomembrane tubes (which are also used as cofferdams). One of the problems with these tubes is the possibility of sliding or rolling when they are subjected to water on one side. This can be mitigated by friction underneath an apron attached to the tube and spread along the ground on the headwater side. In this investigation, experiments are conducted on tubes with aprons of varying lengths. Then an analytical model of a simplified version of the system is proposed, involving a rigid foundation and inextensible membrane material. Finally, a numerical analysis using the program FLAC is carried out, including the effects of soil deformations, pore pressures, and bending stiffness of the tube material. The results demonstrate that a geomembrane tube with an apron of sufficient length under the headwater can be an effective flood-fighting device. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]