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Development of a Digital Tool for Sewer Network Optimization

10.24050/reia.v22i44.1864
Published 2025-07-11
Articles

Abstract

The increasing demand for efficient infrastructure for wastewater and stormwater drainage, driven by the rapid growth of the world population, has posed significant challenges in terms of costs and efficiency for designers and construction companies. In response to this need, this study introduces the development and validation of an innovative digital tool aimed at optimizing the design of sewerage networks, minimizing construction and operation costs. The tool, developed in Python and using genetic algorithms combined with heuristic programming (GA-HP), is designed to comply with current Colombian regulations. Its operation is divided into two stages: initially, the Genetic Algorithm identifies the optimal pipe diameters and the convergence of the cost function; subsequently, the Heuristic Programming adjusts the slopes and calculates the hydraulic characteristics along with the regulatory constraints of the network. Tests conducted in a hypothetical scenario demonstrated a notable reduction in total construction and operational costs, achieving a cost of $276,954.01 USD, significantly lower than the original model ($411,096.90 USD), considering that this value includes additional constraints for fair comparison. The developed tool is practical and accessible for hydraulic designers, proving capable of finding cost-effective solutions even under demanding conditions.

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Authors

  • David Ernesto Rodriguez Vivas

    Colombia

  • Simón Andrés Alvarado-Rueda

    Colombia

  • María Alejandra Pimiento

    España

References

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