Reliability Assessment of Water Distribution Networks Using Minimum Cut Set Analysis

Abstract

Most water distribution networks around the world suffer serious challenges related to structural deterioration and hydraulic performance. Moreover, these networks suffer a lack of sufficient investment to perform their functions. In helping to address these escalating challenges, this paper introduces a framework that assesses the mechanical and hydraulic reliabilities of water networks. It could help water municipalities rank and prioritize water networks based on their reliabilities. The mechanical reliability is evaluated using four modules, namely pipelines, accessories, segments, and the entire network. A fuzzy analytical network process is applied to calculate the weights of the factors that influence the network condition. The weights, along with the factor values, are used to determine the condition of the network components. The condition of segments is computed based on the composition of their components. A minimum cut set analysis is employed to estimate the mechanical reliability of the entire network. The hydraulic reliability of the network is evaluated capitalized on simulated normal and failure conditions. The overall network reliability is determined by integrating the mechanical and hydraulic reliabilities. Eventually, the proposed framework is validated through comparison against existing reliability measures. A water network in Shaker Al-Bahery, Egypt, is presented to demonstrate the proposed framework.