Optimal Design of Urban Wastewater Collection Networks

Abstract

This paper addresses itself to the question of obtaining the minimum cost design for a wastewater collection network. The concept of optimization is explored with respect to overall collection networks. Present design methodologies and recent developments in both network layout and design are explored. The design problems of selecting an optimal mix of pipe diameters and slopes, given a set of economic and technological inputs as well as a network layout is then formulated as a separable convex programming problem. The formulation guarantees the generation of a global optimal solution, and a numerical solution can be obtained using existing commercially available computer software. The paper concludes with an evaluation of the developed procedure and its possible adoption in everyday sewer design.