Measures of Inherent Redundancy in Water Distribution Network Layouts

Abstract

Three measures are presented for the definition of the redundancy that is inherent in a water distribution system because of its layout. Each measure refers to a different level, or areal extent, of redundancy in the network. The values obtained for each level are used as input for the determination of the next highest measure of redundancy. The techniques are based upon graph theory concepts of association matrices and cluster development and are used to examine the redundancy of networks whose layouts, but not necessarily component sizes, have been determined ‘a priori. No probabilistic issues are considered in the techniques as it is believed these should only be examined in detail after the layout has been accepted and the component sizes (pipe diameters) and flow values in the links determined. The procedures are demonstrated by application to a number of example networks.