Full Description

Timely and cost-effective pipeline replacement isessential to ensure the reliability of a water distributionnetwork. Previous studies for reliability analysis orpipeline replacement planning generally have regardedeach pipe as an independent unit. However, impactanalyses that look only at independent pipes fail toconsider the far-reaching effects on water shortagesthat can result from a single break. The result can beunforeseen water shortages in other parts of the networkand an underestimation of the scope of maintenanceor replacement work.This research introduces a segment-based optimizationmodel for pipeline replacement. Compared with theconventional pipe-based model, the proposed modelyields significant improvement to water supply reliability.The segment-based model identifies critical segmentsthat, if damaged or shut down, potentially would havethe most deleterious consequences for water distribution.Using this model, utilities can make appropriatepipe maintenance and replacement decisions that helpmitigate the effects of service interruptions and theresulting consequences for water shortages. Includes 20 references, table, figures.

Product Details

Edition: Vol. 99 - No. 7 Published: 07/01/2007 Number of Pages: 13 File Size: 1 file , 1000 KB