Performance evaluation of resilience metrics for water distribution pipeline networks

Kalyan R. Piratla, Samuel Ariaratnam

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Water distribution networks (WDNs) are vital in transporting water to consumers as per demands. Traditionally, cost has been the main objective in the design of WDNs; however, minimizing cost may result in a system that is incapable of handling abnormal states such as demand uncertainties and pipe failures. Subsequently, various reliability and its surrogate measures (such as resilience metrics) were developed in the past for designing networks capable of handling uncertainties. Few studies exist that evaluate the performance of such resilience metrics in the context of mechanical failures such as water main breaks. This paper analyzes the performance of three resilience metrics: 1) Resilience Index (RI); 2) Network Resilience Index (NRI); and 3) Modified Resilience Index (MRI). Two popular benchmark WDN problems are considered in this research: a) A small Greenfield scenario and b) Expansion of an existing WDN to meet future demands. A genetic algorithm (GA)-based, multi-objective optimization formulation is employed for the design of WDNs by considering two objectives: a) Cost and b) Resilience. All single and double pipe breaks are considered as possible failure states for the performance evaluation of the obtained design solutions. The results from the analysis on limited number of benchmark networks indicate that NRI is a reasonable metric that is capable of guiding the design of resilient WDNs. Given the state of our underground water infrastructure, this research is very relevant and the results are immensely helpful in instilling resilience into existing or new water distribution networks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPipelines 2013
Subtitle of host publicationPipelines and Trenchless Construction and Renewals - A Global Perspective - Proceedings of the Pipelines 2013 Conference
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages330-339
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9780784413012
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
EventPipelines 2013 Conference: Pipelines and Trenchless Construction and Renewals - A Global Perspective - Fort Worth, TX, United States
Duration: Jun 23 2013Jun 26 2013

Publication series

NamePipelines 2013: Pipelines and Trenchless Construction and Renewals - A Global Perspective - Proceedings of the Pipelines 2013 Conference

Other

OtherPipelines 2013 Conference: Pipelines and Trenchless Construction and Renewals - A Global Perspective
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityFort Worth, TX
Period6/23/136/26/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction

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