Selecting and prioritizing monitoring locations (zones) in a water distribution network (DN) involves complex decision-making that warrants the use of risk-based decision-making. This paper couples the concept of risk with fuzzy sets and provides a simple approach to prioritizing monitoring locations in a DN. An index-based approach is proposed to estimate vulnerability, sensitivity and risk indices at a given DN location. The approach is based on fuzzy-based techniques that include fuzzy synthetic evaluation and fuzzy rule-base. Two types of analyses (deterministic and probabilistic) are used to demonstrate the proposed approach for a DN in Quebec City (Canada). Fifteen ‘input factors’ related to structural integrity, hydraulics, water quality and consumer sensitivity are used in the analyses. Based on the risk index results, the DN is divided into two parts. Sensitivity analysis results reveal that four factors, including two sensitivity factors (i.e. % population < 5 and > 75 yr) and two vulnerability factors (free residual chlorine and pipe breaks), explain 85% of the risk index variability. The usefulness of the proposed approach is demonstrated and strategies to improve the model are discussed.
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Research Article|
November 01 2009
Prioritizing monitoring locations in a water distribution network: a fuzzy risk approach
Alex Francisque
;
Alex Francisque
1
Centre de Recherche en Aménagement et Développement, Université Laval, 1722 Pavillon Savard, Québec City QC, G1K 7P4, Canada
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Manuel J. Rodriguez
;
2
École Supérieure d'Aménagement du Territoire, Université Laval, 1628 Pavillon Savard, Québec City QC, G1K 7P4, Canada
Tel.: +1 418 656 2131 X8933 Fax: +1 418 656 2018; E-mail: manuel.rodriguez@crad.ulaval.ca
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Rehan Sadiq
;
Rehan Sadiq
3
School of Engineering, University of British Columbia Okanagan, 3333 University Way, Kelowna BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
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Luis F. Miranda
;
Luis F. Miranda
4
Department of Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal QC, H3A 2K6, Canada
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François Proulx
François Proulx
5
Ville de Québec, Service de l'environnement, 210 av. Saint-Sacrement, Québec City QC, G1N 3X6, Canada
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Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua (2009) 58 (7): 488-509.
Article history
Received:
February 19 2009
Accepted:
August 10 2009
Citation
Alex Francisque, Manuel J. Rodriguez, Rehan Sadiq, Luis F. Miranda, François Proulx; Prioritizing monitoring locations in a water distribution network: a fuzzy risk approach. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua 1 November 2009; 58 (7): 488–509. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2009.011
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Citation
Alex Francisque, Manuel J. Rodriguez, Rehan Sadiq, Luis F. Miranda, François Proulx; Prioritizing monitoring locations in a water distribution network: a fuzzy risk approach. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology-Aqua 1 November 2009; 58 (7): 488–509. doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/aqua.2009.011
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