Current and future use of systems analysis in water distribution network design

Abstract Computer use in the design of water distribution networks was inititated through the use of network analysis techniques to determine system performance in terms of heads and flows. The last fifteen years, however, have seen the introduction of systems analysis optimization techniques to the range of computer models available for network design purposes. These optimization models differ markedly from the ‘traditional’ network analysis models in that they ‘design’ systems for specified loading conditions rather than just analysing the performance of predetermined systems under given loading conditions. Cost was the primary or only objective in almost all these early optimization models. Water distribution network design has, however, a number of other important objectives, such as maximizing reliability. Issues related to reliability concern include probability of component failure, probability of actual demands being greater than design values, and the system redundancy inherent within the layout ...