Incremental Versus Optimal Design of Water Distribution Networks - The Case of Tree Topologies

Vivek Anand, Aleksandar Pramov, Stelios G. Vrachimis, Marios M. Polycarpou, Constantine Dovrolis

Abstract: This study delves into the differences between incremental and optimized network design, with a focus on tree-shaped water distribution networks (WDNs). The study evaluates the cost overhead of incremental design under two distinct expansion models: random and gradual. Our findings reveal that while incremental design does incur a cost overhead, this overhead does not increase significantly as the network expands, especially under gradual expansion. We also evaluate the cost overhead for the two tree-shaped WDNs of a city in Cyprus. The paper underscores the need to consider the evolution of infrastructure networks, answering key questions about cost overhead, scalability, and design efficacy.