Improved Hydraulic Simulation of Valve Layout Effects on Post-Earthquake Restoration of a Water Distribution Network

Abstract

To restore water pipes damaged by earthquakes, it is common to block the water flow by closing the associated shut-off valves. In this process, water supply suspension in the area connected to the isolated pipes is inevitable, which decreases the serviceability of the water distribution network (WDN). In this study, we identified the impact of valve layout (i.e., number and location) on system serviceability during a seismic damage restoration process. By conducting a pressure-driven-analysis (PDA) using EPANET 3.0, a more realistic hydraulic analysis could be carried out under the seismically damaged condition. Furthermore, by considering the valve-controlled segment in the hydraulic simulation, a more realistic water suspension area was determined, and efficient seismic damage restoration strategies were identified. The developed model was implemented on a WDN to demonstrate the effect of valve layout on the post-earthquake restoration process. Finally, effective restoration strategies were suggested for the application network.

Seismic Resilience Evaluation of Urban Multi-Age Water Distribution Systems Considering Soil Corrosive Environments

“…Among them, the flow rate at the leakage point is calculated using the pipe leakage model based on the outflow orifice [46], and the flow rate at the pipe breakage point is calculated using the virtual reservoir model proposed by Shi [47]. Furthermore, the pressure-driven analysis (PDA) method has been widely used in the post-earthquake hydraulic simulation of WDSs to avoid negative pressure [48,49]. In this study, the node demand and pressure relationship proposed by Gupta and Bhave [50] was used:…”