TECHNICAL PAPERS
Mar 1, 1986

Case Study: Pipe Network Model Calibration Issues

Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 112, Issue 2

Abstract

This paper illustrates that it is possible to calibrate accurately a mathematical model of a complicated water distribution system (271 nodes, 307 pipes, 9 pressure reducing valves) if adequate and accurate data are collected. It is essential that the model be calibrated for a range of water use rates and patterns as otherwise it is possible for the model to appear to be calibrated even though it contains significant errors. For example, in this system it was possible to make the model appear calibrated for C‐factors that varied by a factor of 3 provided that sufficient errors were made on other input parameters. The key to collecting adequate data is that the head at boundary nodes (pumps, tanks, pressure reducing valves) be known when pressure readings are made in the system.

Get full access to this article

View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.

References

1.
Cesario, A. L., and Davis, J. O., “Calibrating Water System Models,” Journal of AWWA, Vol. 76, No. 7, 1984, p. 66.
2.
Eggener, C. L., and Polkowski, L., “Network Models and the Impact of Modeling Assumptions,” Journal of AWWA, Vol. 68, No. 4, 1976, p. 189.
3.
Gessler, J., “Analysis of Pipe Networks,” Closed‐Conduit Flow, Chaudhry, M. H., and Yevjevich, V., Eds., Water Resources Publications, Littleton, CO, 1981.
4.
Harris, R. U., “Computer Modeling in Water System Planning and Design,” Journal of AWWA, Vol. 76, No. 7, 1984, p. 78.
5.
Meredith, D. D., “Use of Optimization in Calibrating Water Distribution Models,” ASCE Spring Convention, Philadelphia, PA, 1983.
6.
Rahal, C. M., Sterling, M. J. H., and Coulbeck, B., “Parameter Tuning for Simulation Models of Water Distribution Networks,” Proceedings, Institute of Civil Engineers, Part 2, Vol. 69, 1980, p. 751.
7.
Walski, T. M., “MAPS‐A Planning Tool for Corps of Engineers Regional Water Supply Studies,” Water Resources Bulletin, Vol. 16, No. 2, 1980, p. 215.
8.
Walski, T. M., “Technique for Calibrating Network Models,” Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, ASCE, Vol. 109, WR4, 1983, p. 360.
9.
Walski, T. M., “Using Water Distribution System Models,” Journal of AWWA, Vol. 75, No. 2, 1983, p. 58.
10.
Walski, T. M., Analysis of Water Distribution Systems, Van Nostrand‐Reinhold, New York, NY, 1984.
11.
Walski, T. M., “Assuring Accurate Model Calibration,” Journal of AWWA, Vol. 77, No. 12, Dec., p. 39.

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 112Issue 2March 1986
Pages: 238 - 249

History

Published online: Mar 1, 1986
Published in print: Mar 1986

Permissions

Request permissions for this article.

Authors

Affiliations

Thomas M. Walski, M. ASCE
Research Civ. Engr., US Army Engr., Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS 39180

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Download citation

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

Cited by

View Options

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Copy the content Link

Share with email

Email a colleague

Share