Timely and cost-effective pipeline replacement is
essential to ensure the reliability of a water distribution
network. Previous studies for reliability analysis or
pipeline replacement planning generally have regarded
each pipe as an independent unit. However, impact
analyses that look only at independent pipes fail to
consider the far-reaching effects on water shortages
that can result from a single break. The result can be
unforeseen water shortages in other parts of the network
and an underestimation of the scope of maintenance
or replacement work.
This research introduces a segment-based optimization
model for pipeline replacement. Compared with the
conventional pipe-based model, the proposed model
yields significant improvement to water supply reliability.
The segment-based model identifies critical segments
that, if damaged or shut down, potentially would have
the most deleterious consequences for water distribution.
Using this model, utilities can make appropriate
pipe maintenance and replacement decisions that help
mitigate the effects of service interruptions and the
resulting consequences for water shortages. Includes 20 references, table, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 99 - No. 7 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 1000 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 13 |
| Published : | 07/01/2007 |
