Keywords: triangular loop, pipe failure, pipe resizing, double pipe network, entropic flow pattern, head losses.

The usual configuration of water distribution systems (WDS) is the looped network with either rectangular and, or triangular loops. The desirable option is the rectangular one, allowing an easier decision for the more balanced definition of the entropic flow pattern. However, triangular loops are frequently found in WDS. The analysis of this particular configuration is usually "forgotten" in the presentation of the cases studied.

The present work makes a more focused analysis and discussion of the possible decision criteria of entropic flow patterns in different possible scenarios including triangular loops and its comparison with the "classical" rectangular loop configuration. In a first stage of the layout definition, four looped configurations are studied and compared. The second stage of the study covers the analysis of two alternative proposed methodologies to study alternative solutions for the chosen layout configuration.

The results obtained in the analysis of energy losses in steady hydraulic demand and single pipe failure scenarios for the four looped systems (first stage) are presented. The analysis of the results obtained in the first stage of the study permitted an objectively fundamented choice of the best triangular looped scheme, based on energy loss scenarios due to single pipe failure.

The second stage of the study deals with the results obtained with the application of two proposed alternative methodologies: (i) pipe diameter resizing [1]; and (ii) partially double pipe networks [2]. The results obtained in the analysis of energy losses in steady hydraulic demand and single pipe failure scenarios for the two looped systems (second stage) are presented.

The study allows the conclusion that the presented alternative methodologies may solve totally or partially the problem of the network performance in pipe failure scenarios, with a variable repercussion in the increase of looped network cost.

1

M. Malafaya-Baptista, "Water Supply Looped Networks. Hydraulic Design. A New Approach. A New Methodology", Decision Making in Urban and Civil Engineering, DMUCE4, Oporto, Portugal, 2004.

2

M. Malafaya-Baptista, "Double Pipe Looped Networks: A New Approach to Design and Maintenance", in Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing, B.H.V. Topping, (Editor), Civil-Comp Press, Stirlingshire, United Kingdom, paper 239, 2007. doi:10.4203/ccp.86.239

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