Applying Network Theory to Quantify the Redundancy and Structural Robustness of Water Distribution Systems

Abstract

A water distribution system, represented as a spatially organized graph, is a complex network of multiple interconnected nodes and links. The overall robustness of such a system, in addition to the reliability of individual components, depends on the underlying network structure. This paper presents a deterministic network-based approach to study the relationship between the structure and function of water distribution systems and to critically review the application of structural measurements in the analysis of vulnerability and robustness of such systems. Benchmark water supply networks are studied, and their level of resistance to random failures and targeted attacks on their bridges and cut-sets are explored. Qualitative concepts such as redundancy, optimal connectivity, and structural robustness are quantified. Among other measurements, two metrics of meshedness coefficient and algebraic connectivity are found of great use toward quantifying redundancy and optimal connectivity, respectively. A brief discussion on the usefulness, scope, and limitations of the proposed approach in the analysis of real-world water distribution networks is presented.