Optimal Design of and Transition towards Water Distribution Network Blueprints

The design of network blueprints (ideal design of water distribution networks taking into account the existing infrastructure) is optimized considering the minimization of costs while satisfying the required pressure and flow velocities. The optimal transition from the existing infrastructure towards the blueprint is described by the minimization of pipe failures or maximization of hydraulic performance and the number of construction sites, where old pipes are replaced by new ones, in each transition phase. Both problems are solved with Gondwana. An application to the network of Helmond-Mierlo (The Netherlands) shows that the costs for the optimized blueprint are only 64% of those from the currently existing infrastructure, while the hydraulic performance is improved. The optimized transition shows that a larger number of intervention sites allows for a higher reduction of pipe failures and a better hydraulic performance of the network.