Multi-objective trade-offs between cost and reliability in the replacement of water mains

Dandy, G.; Engelhardt, M.

Multi-objective trade-offs between cost and reliability in the replacement of water mains

2006

Dandy, G. | Engelhardt, M.

Two of the main performance criteria of a water distribution system are that it is inexpensive to construct, operate, and maintain and that it operates in a reliable manner. These two criteria are often conflicting, thus implying that the decision maker needs to reach a compromise in scheduling mains for replacement. One way to facilitate this decision is to generate a trade-off surface that represents the compromise between the two objectives. This paper demonstrates the use of genetic algorithms to generate trade-off curves between cost and reliability for pipe replacement decisions. Curves for two planning scenarios are generated. The first identifies the trade-offs necessary for the current conditions. The second allows the water authority to determine the required levels of future expenditure, given funding constraints, to meet a specified level of service over the entire planning horizon. Alternatively, it provides an estimate of the impact on performance of delaying expenditure.

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G. C. Dandy and M. Engelhardt

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