Engineering Analysis of Water-Distribution Systems

The analysis of water-distribution systems has attracted considerable interest, particularly during the past ten years. Many computer programs are now available for this type of work, and a large body of expertise exists within the profession, providing both the experience with the use of computers and the practical know-how required for constructive and economical solutions to problems in water-distribution systems. The approach taken in these studies depends upon the nature of the problem itself as well as the tools available for analysis. In 1966, for an investigation of the Boston, Mass., water-distribution systems, an entirely new technology was introduced. The mathematical details were subsequently published, and a computer program was deposited with the ASCE for public distribution. Unfortunately, this new technology is based on a mathematical formulation that is not grasped easily by many practicing engineers dealing with water-distribution problems. The result has been a gap between the time of the technological development and its acceptance within the profession.