SWMM5-EA – A Tool For Learning Optimization Of Urban Drainage And Sewerage Systems With Genetic Algorithms

In spite of the developments in the application of evolutionary algorithms in the urban water sector, it is not widely used by practitioners in their day to day work. A reason for this underutilization is the lack of accessible optimization tools. The available limited options, on the one extreme, are characterized by tools for very specific applications (e.g. pipe sizing): While these provide useful optimization applications in specific domains, they are too restrictive in the range of application. The other extreme is to `glue-together’ a general purpose EA library and other required algorithms (e.g. an urban drainage simulation model) using computer programming languages. While this approach provides flexibility to potentially implement any optimization scheme, the computer programming skills demanded from the user make it inaccessible for many. A software tool was developed to help urban water engineers to lean the application of evolutionary computing techniques is presented. A popular urban drainage network modeller is coupled with an evolutionary computing library to create an optimization system driven by an accessible graphical user interface. The system is implemented in Python language using free and open-source tools and is released under a permissive licence. The design approach results in a software-tool that does not sacrifice range of applicability while being user-friendly. The tool was tested out in a number of graduate school classes and found to be effective in helping students internalize the principals of EA and its application in urban drainage/sewerage sector

Coupled 1D-2D hydrodynamic inundation model for sewer overflow: Influence of modeling parameters

AbstractThis paper presents outcome of our investigation on the influence of modeling parameters on 1D-2D hydrodynamic inundation model for sewer overflow, developed through coupling of an existing 1D sewer network model (SWMM) and 2D inundation model (BREZO). The 1D-2D hydrodynamic model was developed for the purpose of examining flood incidence due to surcharged water on overland surface. The investigation was carried out by performing sensitivity analysis on the developed model. For the sensitivity analysis, modeling parameters, such as mesh resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) resolution and roughness were considered. The outcome of the study shows the model is sensitive to changes in these parameters. The performance of the model is significantly influenced, by the Manning's friction value, the DEM resolution and the area of the triangular mesh. Also, changes in the aforementioned modeling parameters influence the Flood characteristics, such as the inundation extent, the flow depth and the velocity across the model domain

Evaluation Of Retrofitting Options In Urban Drainage Systems Based On Flexibility: A Case Study For Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe Basin In Ho Chi Minh City

Inherent uncertainties are the primary constraints and concerns for any robust urban flood management programme. Selection of better retrofitting options to tackle uncertainties involves the process of evaluating the technical and financial feasibility of a wide range of options. In this paper, we present a case study of a catchment in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where we apply evolutionary methods to search for optimal retrofitting opportunities to cope with uncertainties. Flexible options such as detention storage at nodes and provision of sustainable drainage systems have been identified. The optimal storage volumes for detention storage at the nodes and optimal coverage areas for sustainable drainage options to prevent flooding in Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe basin, have been arrived at by integrating optimization techniques and a storm water management model. This case study demonstrates and paves the way for considering combined hydraulic modelling along with an optimization approach as the first step towards incorporating flexibility into urban drainage systems. A Real in Option framework to assess the flexibility is also presente

Test Project 1

Test Project - to be deleted late

The role of MODIS data in visualizing flood disaster information for mass media

After its successful launch in 1999, MODIS mission has caused a revolutionary change in earth surface monitoring. Due to very high spatial, spectral, temporal resolutions, easy to use data archive, and, free data availability, MODIS data is becoming popular among researchers and general public, alike. In this paper, we introduced another timely important use of MODIS images, mass media content production to visualize flood disasters. In addition to loss of life, flood disasters often cause unbearable economic and infrastructure destructions to developing countries. Bringing effective visual contents of disasters in such locations to the media of developed world, a positive boost can be expected in the field of flood relief operations and disaster mitigation efforts. A detail case study on recent flood occurred in northeast India and Bangladesh (June 2006) is included to explain various aspects of content production for mass medi

Transitioning to Sponge Cities: Challenges and Opportunities to Address Urban Water Problems in China

At present, the Sponge City Concept (SCC) is gaining ground, Sponge Cities technologies are becoming more and more accepted by Chinese city governments, and the first best practices are being shared. However, there are still many challenges ahead which hamper effective implementation and upscaling. This paper presents an overview of some opportunities and constraints for the take up of this approach and has drawn upon international experiences. In China at the national level, the State Council has set a progressive target for the SCC initiative to be achieved in 2030. This target seems to be ambitious as the time needed for integrative planning and design and implementation is much longer than traditional sectoral approaches often omitting to address social well-being, the (local) economy, and ecosystem health. This particularly holds true for the existing building stock. Transforming the existing building stock requires a long-term planning horizon, with urban restoration, regeneration, and modernization being key drivers for adapting the city to become a sponge city. A key challenge will be to align the sponge city initiative (SCI) projects with infrastructure and urban renovation portfolios. Moreover, substantial investment needs and a lack of reliable financing schemes and experience also provide a huge challenge for China. This calls for an integrative opportunistic strategy that creates enabling conditions for linking the SCI investment agenda with those from other sectors. These transformations cannot be made overnight: completing the transformation process will typically take a life time of one generation. The progress in sustainable urban water management is also impacted by innovations in technologies as well as in management strategies. These technological innovations create fertile ground for businesses to adapt state-of-the-art developments from around the world and contextualize them into fit-for-purpose products. China is well-placed to play a leading role in this process in the coming decade

Water Infrastructure Asset Management Is Evolving

Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM) is the process by which decisions are made and resources allocated to ensure organisational or societal assets continue to deliver, as required. IAM is an evolving field. We discuss this evolution and present our perspectives on the future direction of IAM. IAM was born as a response to the poor state of maintenance of infrastructure, largely due to lack of resources, and emphasizes the need to prioritize maintenance and renewal using risk-based approaches. The demands on IAM have also continued to evolve as asset systems have become more complex, with multifunctionality, adaptative capacity and nature-based infrastructure, all issues that IAM must now consider. These challenges underpin the changing context of Water Infrastructure Asset Management (WIAM) and the opportunity for WIAM to harness new technical developments from other IAM domains. WIAM will need to continue to evolve, responding to these challenges and take advantage of these opportunities through research and application in collaboration with a relevant education and capacity development agenda