Preliminary Optimization of an Aqueduct Route

The economic optimization of the preliminary routing of an aqueduct is treated by formulating the problem in terms of a network of potential subroutes. Formulation as a network yields three basic problems: (1) The location of a reasonably descriptive set of nodes; (2) the derivation and optimization of the costs of each link; and (3) the solutions for the most economical routes through the network. Because of the margin of error in estimating and because some noneconomic variables may effect his ultimate decision, it is assumed that the aqueduct planner will want to conduct further investigations on all routes whose cost is within some percentage of the cost of the best path. The cost of components of an aqueduct is examined and equations are developed for estimating costs of the individual links in the network. Some criteria for the location of the nodes and the division of the topography into planes are examined, but considerable work remains to be done on these aspects of the problem. Engineering judgement will play a major role in these areas. Numerical examples of the calculation of the optimal lift and reach for typical cost figures and solution for the best and second-best route through a typical network are shown. Also, some suggestions are made for the extension of the model.