Options analysis methods for wastewater collection systems
Annual Conference
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New technologies have given the engineer additional tools with which to analyse the complexities of wastewater systems. This paper discusses the importance of the hydraulic model and the advantages it brings in wastewater system planning. At the same time, it raises questions and concerns about the accuracy of the data used to build the model, the quality of the flow survey used for calibration, and the limitations of models with respect to their ability to analyze a large number of improvement options and find the most cost-effective solutions. Options analysis techniques, such as linear programming and genetic algorithms (GA), are described as well as multicriteria analysis, and the value of performing sensitivity analyses and scenario evaluations. Finally, a case study from the US is highlighted where GA optimisation was used to analyse a wide array of options to overcome overflow and surcharge problems, ultimately determining a hydraulically-viable, least-cost solution which incorporated multi-criteria objectives and risk-based assessment.