Minimum Cost Design of Water Distribution Systems

Authors

Don J. Wood, University of Kentucky
C. O. Charles, University of Kentucky

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop the analytical tools and procedures for minimum cost design of water distribution systems. Both analog and digital means of carrying out pressure and flow calculations were developed. As a result of this effort, digital programs for pressure and flow calculations in water distribution systems were written and have been widely distributed to practicing engineers. One procedure is based on a direct solution of the basic system equations using a linearization scheme and has several advantages over conventional techniques such as the Hardy Cross method. These include avoiding the need to initially balance the network and an assured convergence of the procedure.

Using this tool a procedure was developed for selecting pipe diameter which will result in a minimum cost design within the prescribed constraints. The method of steepest ascent and dynamic programming concepts were used to carry out the optimization. This procedure applies to closed loop' systems without internal pumping. However, this work provides a basis for extending the concepts to more generalized water distribution systems.

Publication Date

9-1973

Report Number

62

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.13023/kwrri.rr.62

Funding Information

The work on which this report is based was supported in part by funds provided by the Office of Water Resources Research, United States Department of Interior, as authorized under the Water Resources Research Act of 1964.

Repository Citation

Wood, Don J. and Charles, C. O., "Minimum Cost Design of Water Distribution Systems" (1973). KWRRI Research Reports. 133.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kwrri_reports/133