Extending the Application of Connectivity Metrics for Characterizing the Dynamic Behavior of Water Distribution Networks

Abstract

Water distribution networks (WDNs) are complex combinations of nodes and links, and the current tendency is to modify their topological structure through the closure of isolation valves for monitoring and water quality reasons. For their analysis, several approaches based on graph theory have recently been proposed, mainly considering steady‐state flow conditions. However, in their real functioning, WDNs are continuously subjected to pressure transients generated by maneuvers on regulation devices or by users' activity. This study investigates the application of some metrics from graph theory, already used in the context of steady‐state analysis, for assessing the effects of changes in the topological structure of a network—due for example, to sectorization or branching operations—on its transient response when subjected to maneuvers on devices such as hydrants, pumps, etc. or users' activity. The analysis shows that some connectivity metrics can effectively reflect the dynamic pressure behavior of the network and, thus, provide useful indications for design and management operations taking into account unsteady flow features.

Hydraulic Connectiveness Metric for the Analysis of Criticality in Water Distribution Networks

“…Aside from assessing the hydraulic aspect of the network, the topologic, or more specifically, connectivity factors should also be considered, as these can influence the network response to abnormal events [10]. Instead of hydraulic performance, connectivity becomes particularly significant when evaluating the risk of service interruption [11].…”

A Pragmatic Approach for Chlorine Decay Modeling in Multiple-Source Water Distribution Networks Based on Trace Analysis

“…In fact, an excessive water age can determine the reduction of free residual chlorine and the formation of harmful chlorination by-products [2,8]. In addition, high water age can also result in low velocities through pipelines and, in particular, the failure to reach the daily self-cleaning velocity [9][10][11]. This is more often observed in strongly looped WDNs, whereas branched systems generally tend to experience sufficient water velocity in pipes to ensure an acceptable residual chlorine concentration (RCC) [12,13].…”