Optimal Rehabilitation Model for Water Pipeline Systems with Genetic Algorithm

In a pipeline system, aging of the pipeline due to a variety of internal and external factors reduces its functionality as a water supply system and increases the risk of pipe failure. Failure of aging pipelines leads to greater social and economic damage. Thus, through proper rehabilitation and replacement, the pipeline systems must be managed to ensure safe water quality and structural performance. This paper shows the use of the genetic algorithm technique to find a near optimal rehabilitation schedule of water pipeline systems. The goal is to minimize the present value of pipe replacement, renovation and repairs costs over a defined analysis period while requirements for water standards are fulfilled. A case study shows that the rehabilitation model proposed in this study can be a powerful tool to assist in planning the asset management strategies for water pipeline systems.