Optimization and Pipe-Sizing Decisions

An important reason for the lack of wide acceptance of pipe-sizing optimization in engineering practice is the fact that there is not one single pipe-sizing problem, but rather several significantly different types of pipe-sizing problems. These include long-term master planning, preliminary design, subdivision layout, and rehabilitation, which are also related to problems of tank sizing and location, tank-overflow level, pressure-zone boundary, pump selection, pump operation, and control-valve setting. Each type of problem brings specific areas of concern and specific assumptions that should be used in preparing pipe-sizing models. By making model developers aware of the context in which these sizing decisions are made, this paper should contribute to development of more relevant and widely used models.