Evaluation of technical performance of pipes in water distribution systems by analytic hierarchy process

Pipes with in poor condition in water distribution systems cause significant operational problems and water losses. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the technical performance of these pipes. In this study, the evaluation of technical performance of the individual water pipes by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) according to various main-factors such physical, environmental and operational and sub-factors is aimed. The weight coefficients for the physical, environmental and operational main factors were calculated as, 0.43, 0.14 and 0.43, respectively. Physical Factor Score (PFS), Environmental Factor Score (EFS) and Operational Factor Score (EFS) were calculated to define the technical evaluation score of the water pipes. Finally, the Performance Evaluation Score (PES) was calculated using the weights and scores of the PFS, EFS and OFS and applied for 17 individual water pipes selected for testing the technical performance. It was determined that the structural condition and performance of ACP and PVC pipes was bad and the risk of damage was high. It is considered that the AHP model developed may be an important tool in the technical evaluation of pipes for water supply utilities.