[1] Building theories from case studies is a common research approach that can also be applied to the analysis of networks. Although case studies of real systems bridge the gap between theory and practice, they are nevertheless investigations of a subset of cases, each with specific characteristics. To tackle this problem, a multitude of networks with diverging characteristics are generated using the graph-theory-based Modular Design System (MDS). In this paper the application of this MDS is demonstrated by generating a set of 2280 virtual Water Supply Systems. The layout and the properties of these systems are representative of typical examples encountered in practice. Scatterplots, density, and cumulative distribution functions are used to characterize several network parameters. A comparison of the virtual set with three real-world case studies shows similar characteristics. Finally, the potential of the methodology is demonstrated by analyzing the impact of increased water demand on hydraulic performance. It can be shown that the allowed maximum and minimum diameters envelop a range of impacts on mean values for nodal pressure.

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This article is devoted to a variety of applications of fuzzy models in civil engineering, presenting the current work of a group of researchers at the University of Innsbruck. With fuzzy methods and possibility theory as an encompassing framework, the following areas are addressed: uncertainties in geotechnical engineering, fuzzy finite-element computation of a foundation raft, fuzzy dynamic systems, and processing uncertainty in project scheduling and cost planning.

This article is devoted to applications of fuzzy set theory, possibility theory and evidence theory in civil engineering, presenting current work of a group of researchers at the University of Innsbruck. We argue that these methods are well suited for analyzing and processing the parameter uncertainties arising in soil mechanics and construction management. We address two specific applications here: finite element computations in foundation engineering and a queueing model in earth work.Keywords: Engineering applications, finite element methods, queueing models, imprecise parameters, possibility and evidence theory, fuzzy probabilities. Int. J. Unc. Fuzz. Knowl. Based Syst. 2000.08:295-309. Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY on 08/21/15. For personal use only.