Abstract
In this paper, a procedure for the optimal design of rural drainage networks is presented and demonstrated. The suggested approach, exploring the potentialities offered by heuristic methods for the solution of complex optimization problems, is based on the use of a Genetic Algorithm (GA), coupled with a steady and uniform flow hydraulic module. In particular, this work has focused: on one hand, on the problems of a technical nature posed by the correct sizing of a drainage network; on the other hand, on the possibility to use a simple but nevertheless efficient GA to reach the minimal cost solution very quickly. The suitability of the approach is tested with reference to small and large scale drainage networks, already considered in the literature.
Highlights
The problem of the optimal design of rural drainage channels can be approached from two distinct points of view, namely the optimal design of a single channel and the optimal design of an entireWater 2015, 7 channel network
We propose a Genetic Algorithm (GA) procedure aiming at the optimal design of rural drainage networks, which enables the network channels to convey the required discharges with minimum construction and maintenance costs, achieving the best compromise between the numerous technical conflicting requirements
There is a general lack of case studies referring to the optimization of rural drainage networks, while many case studies are available for urban drainage networks
Summary
The problem of the optimal design of rural drainage channels can be approached from two distinct points of view, namely the optimal design of a single channel and the optimal design of an entireWater 2015, 7 channel network. Guo and Hughes [2] presented an analytical procedure for the determination of the best configuration for a trapezoidal cross section of a single channel, able to minimize both frictional resistance and construction cost, taking into account the freeboard and bank slope. Monadjemi [6] used Langrange’s multipliers method to find the best hydraulic cross section area for different channel shapes. He solved the problem of optimizing the lining costs, and found that the minimization of the wetted perimeter and the minimization of the cross section area are mathematically equivalent. Das [9] proposed an optimization model for the design of trapezoidal channels, which considers the flooding probability; the same author [10]
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