G. V. Loganathan’s Legacy on Water Distribution System Asset Management

• Published in: Journal of water resources planning and management 2009-07, Vol.135 (4), p.216-226
• Main Authors: Deb, Arun K, Snyder, Jerry K, Hammell, John, Grablutz, Frank
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: TECHNICAL PAPERS
• ISSN: 0733-9496; 1943-5452
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9496(2009)135:4(216)

During the last 10 years , the writers conducted four projects with Dr. G. V. Loganathan on water distribution system research and applications, and developed and used several tools, which, combined, formed a comprehensive methodology for water distribution system asset management. This paper highlights Dr. Loganathan’s contributions in water distribution system asset management. One of the projects was to develop a prioritized water main replacement program for a water utility experiencing a large number of cast iron water main breaks. For this project Dr. Loganathan formulated a computer program to analyze a large amount of water main break data, on a pipe-by-pipe basis, to formulate an economic model to identify an economically optimum time to replace a pipe, and to develop an optimum water main replacement program. In the second project Dr. Loganathan developed a methodology and a modeling system to predict structural failure and to prioritize candidate mains for renewal. Once an asset management program for renewal of pipes was developed, Dr. Loganathan formulated a decision support system software to evaluate and identify on a site-specific basis, the most suitable water main renewal technologies available to water utilities for renewal of a specific water main. For the most recent project with Dr. Loganathan, he developed software for optimization of valve placement and management in a water distribution network in minimizing customer outages due to valve and pipe failures. This comprehensive system of tools that Dr. Loganathan helped to develop will help water utilities develop a water distribution system asset management plan that will minimize adverse impacts due to valve and pipe failures.