A New Method for Evaluating the Technical Efficiency of Irrigation and Drainage Networks Using LRDEA and Three-Step Monte Carlo Simulation
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 1
Abstract
Investigating the efficiency of irrigation networks is one of the most crucial factors in providing the information needed to improve the efficiency of these systems. Due to the recent water crisis in Iran, it should be considered by managers and planners in this area. Therefore, in this study, the linear robust data envelopment analysis (LRDEA) method, which has the potential to apply uncertain conditions for the model data, is used to evaluate the efficiency of four irrigation networks in the Karun catchment located in Khuzestan province, Iran. The use of this model depends on determining the appropriate input and output data that were examined. On the other hand, to study the effect of water and soil resources’ quality on the efficiency of these networks, two scenarios with and without considering the quality of these resources in the input data are considered. The results show that the addition of water and soil quality input data causes some networks to experience a significant increase in efficiency score, resulting in a significant difference between the rankings in the two scenarios; so that the average efficiency of networks in the first scenario was 0.8 and in the second scenario is 0.97. It is also found that there is a significant difference between actual and desirable use for both input data of maintenance costs and personnel, which has led to inefficiencies in networks. This difference is less in the second scenario and is calculated as 41% and 34% for maintenance costs and personnel, respectively. Examining the Monte Carlo simulation results shows that LRDEA is reliable in terms of applying uncertain conditions and using its results to improve the efficiency of networks.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The authors express their gratitude to the Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan for their financial and spiritual support of this study. This study is a part of research [Assessing adaptability in ranking the technical efficiency of irrigation and drainage networks under uncertainty: Application of a three-stage Monte Carlo simulation model and DEA, (Grant Number 991.25)] with the support of the Research and Technology Deputy of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan.
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Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 150 • Issue 1 • February 2024
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 27, 2022
Accepted: Aug 18, 2023
Published online: Nov 3, 2023
Published in print: Feb 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Apr 3, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Business management
- Data analysis
- Developing countries
- Engineering fundamentals
- Environmental engineering
- Geomechanics
- Geotechnical engineering
- Irrigation
- Irrigation engineering
- Linear analysis
- Methodology (by type)
- Monte Carlo method
- Numerical methods
- Practice and Profession
- Research methods (by type)
- Soil mechanics
- Soil properties
- Soil water
- Structural analysis
- Structural engineering
- Water and water resources
- Water conservation
- Water management
- Water policy
- Water quality
- Water treatment
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