Pipe renewal plan in water distribution network considering physical and operational risk factors: A hybrid MCDM-QSPM technique

Abstract

A significant amount of supplied water is wasted because of the existence of leak and pipe breakage in urban WDNs. Its increase the possibility of pollution infiltration. The financial crises and inappropriate budgets for WDNs renovation make the classification of pipes in terms of modification and providing a management plan necessary. In this research, the MCDM method has been utilized to provide a plan for prioritizing pipe repairs of the WDNs. The clustering is determined utilizing the ELECTRE TRI model, based on specific physical and operational risk factors. These criteria are proposed according to the personal preferences, previously. The QSPM analysis was employed to illustrate criteria priorities. Therefore, a novel hybrid QSPM–MCDM technique was introduced to develop a pipe renewal plan for WDNs. Furthermore, optimistic and pessimistic prioritization is assessed in classification of pipes. A real WDN was investigated as a sample. In optimistic prioritization, 2%, 8%, 16%, 61% and 13% of pipes are categorized in five classes of modification, respectively. In pessimistic case, 18% of the pipes only need periodic visits and 82% of them do not need repairs. These results showed the output of pessimistic classification didn’t match the present situation of WDN. The main branch of the WDN pipes has been classified in the most risky classes in the optimistic analysis.