Optimal Design of Water Distribution Network by Reliability Considerations

Water distribution networks (WDNs) are quite complex systems in such a manner that it is not easy to obtain the most reliable and efficient systems due to the complexity of algorithms generated using linear programming. Many studies dealt in the past with the objective of least cost design where reliability was quantified as a constraint. This study provides a multiobjective approach for assessing the performance and reliability of an urban residential area Surjamal Vihar, New Delhi. The schematic network is constructed using commercial software Bentley WaterGEMS V8i, which is also used to simulate the results. Linear programming algorithm approach is used to analyze the network for the design, considering the reliability of the network. Results are discussed at the end of the study suggesting certain modifications in the network design to achieve optimization of the distribution system, including constraints related to hydraulic feasibility, satisfaction of nodal demands, and requirement of nodal pressures.