Optimal Design of Water Distribution Networks

9/22/2014
Optimal Design of Water Distribution Networks

with GIS
John W. Labadie
Margaret T. Herzog
ABSTRACT
To assist water engineers to utilize an advanced water distribution system optimizer, a user-friendly interface,
database support, and mapping utilities have been integrated into ArcView 3.1 GIS using AVENUE and the
Dialog Designer extension. This decision support system (DSS) is developed into an ArcView extension called
WADSOP - Water Distribution System Optimizer. WADSOP optimizes pipe sizing and layout, as well as
pump station sizing and layout, to improve cost-effectiveness and reliability over most existing water
distribution models based on less effective pipe simulation algorithms. GIS provides functions for development
and preparation of accurate spatial information for input into the network design optimization model, which
include network layout, connectivity, pipe characteristics and cost, pressure gradients, demand patterns, cost
analysis, network routing and allocation, and effective color graphic display of results.
INTRODUCTION
Municipal water distribution systems represent a major portion of the investment in urban infrastructure and a
critical component of public works. The goal is to design water distribution systems to deliver potable water
over spatially extensive areas in required quantities and under satisfactory pressures. In addition to these goals,
cost-effectiveness and reliability in system design are also important.
Municipal water distribution systems are inherently complex because they are:
large-scale and spatially extensive
composed of multiple pipe loops to maintain satisfactory levels of redundancy for system reliability
governed by nonlinear hydraulic equations

designed with inclusion of complex hydraulic devices such as valves and pumps
impacted by pumping and energy requirements
http://proceedings.esri.com/library/userconf/proc99/proceed/papers/pap756/p756.htm
1/14
9/22/2014
complicated by numerous layout, pipe sizing, and pumping alternatives

influenced by analysis of tradeoffs between capital investment and operations and maintenance costs
during the design process.
Traditional methods of design of municipal water distribution systems are limited because system parameters
are often generalized; spatial details such as installation cost are reduced to simplified values expressing
average tendencies; and trial and error procedures are followed, invoking questions as to whether the optimum
design has been achieved. Even with use of hydraulic network simulation models, design engineers are still
faced with a difficult task.
The optimal design of municipal water distribution systems is a challenging optimization problem for the
following reasons:
the system optimization requires an imbedded hydraulic simulation model for pressurized, looped pipe
networks
the discrete decision variables are discrete, since pipe sizes must be selected from commercially available
sets [e.g., 8", 10", 12", 15",.]; combinatorial problems involving discrete variables are considered NP-hard
in optimization theory
the optimization problem can be highly nonlinear due to nonlinear hydraulic models and pump
characteristic curves
the optimization problem should be regarded as stochastic due to uncertain demand loadings and system
reliability issues
one way of considering uncertain demands is to include multiple demand loading scenarios in the
optimization, which increases problem size and complexity
pressure constraints must be directly included in the optimization.
The optimal design of municipal water distribution systems involves numerous characteristics which carry
significant spatial dependencies. These include:
topography and its influence on pressure distribution in a pipe network
street network characteristics, since most water distribution systems are installed in existing and planned
road systems
right of way issues
congestion problems during installation due to buried utilities
land use and development issues impacting installation costs, such as increased costs of pipe excavation
in commercial districts due to business disruption and the need for traffic rerouting
spatially distributed soil characteristics impacting excavation costs, such as loose, sandy soils requiring
more costly reinforcement of the site.
With the wide range of optimization models available, it is interesting to speculate as to why these models are
not routinely being used by practicing design engineers. Goulter [1992] believes that the primary reason for this
is the lack of "suitable packaging" for optimal design models. It is clear that a spatial decision support system
[DSS] is needed to aid design engineers, which would include the following components:
data base management system for both spatial and non-spatial data
user friendly dialog interfaces for data manipulation and output display
models subsystem including both simulation and optimization.
Modern geographic information systems [GIS] alone are capable of fulfilling many of these requirements for a
spatial DSS.
2/14
9/22/2014
STATE-OF-ART IN WDS OPTIMAL DESIGN MODELS

The current focus in optimal design models is on improving the efficiency and realism of the optimization
techniques, with little attention given to spatial database requirements and dialog interfaces to enhance practical
usage. A wide variety of techniques have been proposed, with one of the most oft studied being the Linear
Programming Gradient (LPG) method and its extensions (Alperovits and Shamir, 1977; Eiger, et al., 1994).
However, Bhave and Sonak (1992) claim that the LPG method is inefficient compared with other methods.
Some approaches attempt to employ efficient combinatorial methods to the optimal design problem. Gessler
(1982) linked a network hydraulic simulation model to a filtering subroutine to efficiently enumerate all feasible
solutions in pipe network design. This model selects both the optimal design, as well as several near-optimal
solutions for tradeoff analysis, and is perhaps the most widely used optimization model. Other authors have
formulated the optimal design problem as a nonlinear programming problem with discrete pipe sizes treated as
continuous variables. Chiplunkar, et al. (1986) employed the Davidon-Fletcher-Powell method to design a
water distribution under a single demand loading scenario. Lansey and Mays (1989) coupled the generalized
reduced gradient (GRG) algorithm with a water distribution simulation model to optimally size pipe network,
pump stations, and tanks. The primary disadvantage of these NLP methods is the required rounding off of
optimal continuous decision variables to commercially available sizes, which can lead to network infeasibilities
as well as raise questions as to optimality of the adjusted solution.
Methods based on the use of linear programming (LP) have been developed which are capable of maintaining
the constraint on discrete pipe sizes without the need for rounding off solutions. Morgan and Goulter (1985)
modified the procedure of Kally (1972) to link a Hardy-Cross network solver with linear programming model.
The model is designed to optimize both the layout and design of new systems and expansion of existing
systems. It is a highly efficient method, with the main disadvantage being the generation of split pipe solutions
(i.e., with some pipe sections requiring two pipe sizes). The latter indeed reduces system costs, but may not be
attractive to design engineers.
More recent literature emphasizes reliability issues in water distribution system design, with consideration of the
probabilities of satisfying system flow and pressure requirements. Lansey, et al. (1989) employed a chance
constrained model to consider uncertainties in demands, pressure head, and pipe roughness. Bao and Mays
(1990) applied Monte Carlo simulation methods to measure system reliability. Although reliability-based water
distribution system models are useful for analysis of the problem, they may be impractible for designing largescale systems. The use of multiple demand loading scenarios may be a means of indirectly including system
reliability issues at more practical computational expense.
Recent studies have attempted to apply a variety of heuristic programming methods to the optimal design of
water distribution systems. These include the application of genetic algorithms (Savic and Walters, 1997) and
simulated annealing (Cunha and Sousa, 1999). The advantages of these methods are that they allow full
consideration of system nonlinearity and maintain discrete design variables without requiring split pipe
solutions. The disadvantages include:
cannot guarantee generation of even local optimal solutions, particularly for large-scale systems
3/14
9/22/2014
DoughGo
Related Searches
Cable Companies
Phone Deals
GIS Software
Topo Map
Topographic Maps
Geographic
Information Systems
require extensive fine-tuning of algorithmic parameters, which are highly dependent on the individual
problem
can be extremely time consuming computationally
current applications have not included use of multiple demand loadings because of computational
difficulties.
Presented herein is WADSOP (WAter Distribution System Optimizer) which improves on the method of
Morgan and Goulter (1985) by
employing an efficient NLP technique as the hydraulic network solver which offers distinct advantages
over traditional methods such as Hardy-Cross, Newton-Raphson, and linear system theory solvers
allows simultaneous inclusion of multiple demand loading scenarios in the optimization
includes the optimal location and sizing of pump stations
is linked with ArcView GIS for spatial and nonspatial data base requirements, effective display of results,
and dialog interfacing for practicing engineers.
WADSOP applies an NLP-based network solver and an LP-based optimal design model interactively in a
convergent scheme with the following advantages:
Software
Base Map
GIS Data
Mapping Program
spatially-referenced cost functions are developed through the GIS for network layout and sizing
discrete, commercially available pipe sizes are utilized for any size ranges specified by the user
multiple demand loading scenarios are efficiently input into the GIS
inclusion of pump station sizing and layout decision variables to allow efficient analysis of tradeoffs
between capital and energy costs.
The goals of WADSOP are to:
combine GIS with pipe network design and analysis models
encourage greater use of optimization models by design engineers
provide a flexible tool for engineers for:
- analyzing existing networks
- optimal design of new water distribution networks
- expansion of existing systems.
Details on the optimization techniques employed in WADSOP can be found in Taher, et al. (1998). The
purpose here is to present the WADSOP extension developed for implementation in ArcView 3.1. The spatial
and nonspatial data requirements are described, as well as the ability to edit network characteristics. The
WADSOP extension builds the database, prepares formatted ASCII files which are read by the design
optimization model, executes the design model, and then displays results as color coded maps of the optimal
pipe network characteristics, flows and pressures. Network routing and allocation routines are also available as
part of the GIS.
WADSOP GIS APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT
4/14
9/22/2014
The WADSOP application was developed exclusively in ArcView GIS (3.1) as an extension using AVENUE
programming and ArcView project customization capabilities. All dialogs were developed using the Dialog
Designer extension to ensure that the application could be used on any platform. The CAD Reader extension
was used to permit CAD drawing input, mapping, and conversion, and the Spatial Analyst extension was used
for digital elevation model input and usage. One of the most useful extensions incorporated was the Network
Analyst for routing new pipes and rerouting old ones, allocating water supply to demand zones, and for
developing pressure zones.
WADSOP Menu System
The figure below depicts the WADSOP menu system which functionality can also be accessed through a toolbar
that can be activated from the WADSOP button in the button bar or toggle on or off from the menu system.
Modules include data development, optimization, results, route, allocate, and help. The development of each of
these modules will be discussed in detail in the following sections.
Pipe Edit Dialog

Upon selecting data development from the WADSOP menu or input from the WADSOP toolbar, the Data
Development Switchboard is produced for developing optimization model input. The first option is to Edit Pipe
Links. If data already exists in the ArcView project for the pipe network, the Pipe Editor dialog is produced
along with a table of attributes, one record for each pipe. The user can choose a pipe from the drop down list to
begin editing it, or choose it directly from the table. The Select button permits the user to directly select a pipe
from the map for editing. Attributes include the Hazen-Williams coefficient, and the diameter and length of the
pipe. Note that the user is permitted to add a second diameter and length if the pipe is to be split to reduce
overall system costs. The optimizer automatically splits pipes in two to use two different diameters to increase
system cost-effectiveness when possible unless the user chooses to not exercise this option. From the Pipe
Editor menu, the user can also choose the Add Pipe tool to add new pipes to the system. Nodes are
automatically generated at the ends of each pipe added. If the end of a new pipe is drawn within a user-defined
tolerance of an existing node, the existing node serves as the end node for that pipe.
5/14
9/22/2014
Edit Nodes
The next data development option is to add pipe nodes and attributes including elevation and up to four demand
scenarios. Using multiple demand scenarios insures that the resulting optimized system is robust. It ensures
that a pipe is not eliminated as unnecessary or undersized. As with pipes, nodes can be selected directly from
the map for editing as well as added or deleted from the Node Edit dialog. Two different kind of nodes can be
added, supply or demand nodes. As opposed to demand nodes, supply nodes are added to represent a water
supply tank or a reservoir.
6/14
9/22/2014
Although not entirely functional yet, a script is being developed to allow all node elevations to be estimated
from a map of ground elevation contours or a digital elevation model (DEM) grid minus a constant depth-topipe factor. Although this is a rough method, it makes data editing easier if values close to what they should be
are already in the elevation field of the table. It also allows a rough optimization run to be executed to
determine general areas of concern in pipe network design and expansion.
Edit Pipe Diameters and Costs

The third data development option is to set up a table of commercially available pipe diameters and costs.
By requiring the optimization model to only choose from available diameters, the feasibility and optimality of
the solution is more certain. Updating pipe costs to current market prices will ensure that the optimal wds
design results reflect reality. The Edit Pipe Cost Factors option allows design costs to be further adjusted for
soil type, landuse and street width to improve realism, too.
7/14
9/22/2014
Edit Pump Data for each Loading Scenario

WADSOP incorporates and effective way to optimize pump design as well as pipe design requiring minimal
input. Only the amount of time each pump is set to run for each loading scenario and its load efficiency are
required in the Edit Load and Pump Data dialog. Pumping head is automatically adjusted in the optimization
model so that all minimum pressure requirements are satisfied. The Edit Energy and Cost Data dialog allows
parameters to be set to determine when the cost of additional pumping is less than the cost of increasing pipe
sizes, to compute an overall least cost solution for the wds.
8/14
9/22/2014
Edit Pipe Cost Factors

In addition to the cost of a pipe itself, installation costs can be significantly affected by a number of site
conditions, three of which include landuse (developed land being more expensive to excavate), road width
(narrow roads causing more disturbance when under construction), and soil type (loose soils requiring shoring
and firm soils more time and energy to excavate than typical). The Edit Pipe Cost Factors dialog allows these
factors to considered by applying a factor to the cost of pipe based on site conditions. Road buffer, soils and
landuse maps are prepared and spatial joins of their linked attributes used to develop an overall factor to apply to
each pipe. The user can adjust the cost factors in the dialog and recalculate pipe costs before proceeding to
optimization at any time. Adjusting costs and reruning the optimizer is a good way to determine how sensitive
results are to changing conditions.
9/14
9/22/2014
Help
Currently, every dialog includes a help button to obtain text-based information to assist the user in proceeding
through the options as well as more general help accessed from the menu-system with details about the
WADSOP application. A future goal is to replace this help system with a standard Windows-based one that
includes hyperlinks, graphics, and a find function.
Optimization
After completing each dialog in the Data Development module the user is ready to use the WADSOP
optimizer. Currently only the optimizer is available, but the simulator to analyze existing systems will soon
follow. The Data Verification Check dialog allows the users to review information about the system and return
to the editing mode if necessary before proceeding. When the user chooses Optimize from this dialog, all the
tables developed during the input phase are converted to comma deliminated text and sent to the WADSOP
executable. Results are written to the pipe and node tables, and map displayed colored coding changes to the
original network and displaying pipes with a graduated symbol related to pipe diameter. Split pipes are also
noted in the results with text labels.
The Crystal Reports extension can be used to generate typical wds reports of interest, as well as customized
reports if desired.
10/14
9/22/2014
Network Routing
Although the main purpose of WADSOP is network optimization, ArcView GIS can provide a great deal of
additional functionality. Through the use of the Network Analyst extension, the least cost path can be
determined for planning a new pipe along an existing road network. The user only has to indicate from where to
where they wish to route, and if length or some other impedance factor will determine which way is the
"longest".
11/14
9/22/2014
Allocation
The final WADSOP module being developed to date aids in network allocation. Two common uses are for
determining which water supply sources can supply which sectors of a municipality, or for defining pressure
zones as the distance out from a pressure supply head (pump) that can be serviced before impedance along pipes
causes the minimum pressure to be reached.
CONCLUSIONS
Although significant progress has been made on the WADSOP extension to ArcView GIS to date, it is not
ready for commercial distribution at this time. However, the authors would look forward to entities that would
like to test the beta and offer recommendations for improvements. Some of the most pressing work includes the
following:
Improve interface to allow for more input options such as determining node elevations from contours.
Complete network allocation module to assign supply or pressure zones.
Allow more flexibility in input parameters to the optimization model.
Include a simulation model for comparison to optimization and for expanded functionality.
REFERENCES
Alperovits, E. and U. Shamir, Design of optimal water distribution systems, Water Resour. Res., 13 (6), 885900, 1977.
Bao, Y. and L. Mays, Model for water distribution system reliability, J. Hydraul. Div. Am. Soc. Civ. Eng., 116 (
9), 1119-1137, 1990.
Bhave, P., and V. Sonak, A critical study of the linear programming gradient method for optimal design of
water supply networks, Water Resour. Res., 28 (6), 1577-1584, 1992.
12/14
9/22/2014
Chiplunkar, A., S. Mehndiratta, and P. Khanna, Looped water distribution system optimization for single
loading, J. Env. Eng. Div. Am. Soc. Civ. Eng., 112 (2), 264-279, 1986.
Cunha, M. and J. Sousa, Water distribution network design optimization: simulated annealing approach, J.
Water Res. Plan. Manage. Div. Soc. Civ. Eng., 125 (4), 215-221, 1999.
Eiger, G., U. Shamir, and A. Ben-Tal, Optimal design of water distribution networks, Water Resour. Res., 30
(9), 2637-2646, 1994.
Gessler, J., Optimization of pipe networks, Proc. of the Ninth International. Symposium on Urban Hydrology,
Hydraulics and Sediment Control, Univ. of Ky., Lexington, July 27-30, 1982.
Goulter, I., Systems analysis in water distribution system design: from theory to practice, J. Water. Res. Plan.
Manage. Div. Am. Soc. Civ. Eng., 118 (3), 238-248, 1992.
Lansey, K., N. Duan, L. Mays, and Y. Tung, Water distribution system design under uncertainties, J. Water
Res. Plan. Manage. Am. Soc. Civ. Eng., 115 (5), 630-645, 1989.
Lansey, K. and L. Mays, Optimization model for water distribution system design, J. Hydraul. Div. Am. Soc.
Civ. Eng., 115 (10), 1401-1418, 1989.
Morgan, D., and I. Goulter, Optimal urban water distribution design, Water Resour. Res., 21 (5), 642-652,
1985.
Savic, D. and G. Walters, Genetic algorithms for least-cost design of water distribution networks, J. Water Res.
Plan. Manage. Div. Soc. Civ. Eng., 123 (2), 67-77, 1997.
Taher, S. and J. Labadie, Optimal design of water distribution networks with GIS, J. Water Res. Plan. Manage.
Div. Soc. Civ. Eng., 122 (4), 301-311, 1996.
AUTHOR INFORMATION
John W. Labadie, P.E.
Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1372
Tel: 970-491-6898
Fax: 970-491-7727
email: labadie@engr.colostate.edu
Margaret T. Herzog, P.E.
Civil Engineer / GIS Coordinator
Foothill Engineering Consultants, Inc.
350 Indiana Street, Suite 315
Golden, Colorado 80401
Tel: 303-278-0622
Fax: 303-278-0624
Home: 303-237-4158
email: mherzog@foothilltmc.com
You might like
Little panda bear

seen playing
nicely with ball
BWNToday
12-year-old girl
wins $256,000
lawsuit against her
mother
14-year-old girl
Woman killed from Man jailed for
steals her mother's sneezing while
urinating on police
husband
driving
car during traffic
BWNToday
BWNToday
stop (video)
BWNToday
The Breast Milk

Baby now on sale
at U.S. retailers
BWNToday
Married man
arrested for
bringing three
young kids to
BWNToday
11-year-old boy
saves sister from
pit bull attack
BWNToday
Car key penetrates Chosen as favorite

mans foot during offer by others !
karate class
Glispa
BWNToday
13/14
9/22/2014
prostitute
BWNToday
Ads By OffersWizard
Ads by Sense
Ad Options
Ads by OffersWizard
Ad Options
14/14

Optimal Design of Water Distribution Networks

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Optimal Design of Water Distribution Networks

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

9/22/2014