Abstract
This paper introduces a dedicated algorithm for the automatic generation of water distribution network (WDN) layouts in EPANET, utilizing exclusively the street layout information contained in CAD files. The methodology involves reading and converting all elements constituting street boundaries into lines, which are then mathematically processed through parametric equations of lines. Subsequently, the central street lines are extracted and extended to generate intersection points. These points are then employed to define the network nodes, and, upon verifying connectivity among them, the pipes are automatically generated. The model's efficacy was evaluated on two distinct street layouts, and for both, the algorithm exhibited satisfactory results, automatically generating 100% of the network layout in EPANET input file. The model demonstrated swift performance for the considered layouts, with an average execution time of only 0.30 s. Furthermore, a comparison was conducted with the results obtained by the model proposed by Costa and Rodrigues (Water Resour Manage 35:1299–1319, 2021), with the performance of the model proposed in this work proving superior in both layout quality and computational time.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Availability of Data and Materials
The code is available in the following link: www.aquacad.net/automaticgeneration2.
References
AQUACAD (2022) AQUACAD: Computational Hydraulic – Online Services. http://www.aquacad.net. Accessed 14 Nov 2022
Autodesk AutoCAD (2022) About the DXF Format (DXF). Autodesk Inc. https://help.autodesk.com/view/OARX/2019/ENU/?guid=GUID-235B22E0-A567-4CF6-92D3-38A2306D73F3. Accessed 11 Aug 2022
Ciliberti FG, Berardi L, Laucelli DB, Mauro G, Giustolisi O (2023) WDN-tailored Complex Network Centrality Metrics for water distribution networks domain analysis. IOP Conf Seri: Earth Environ Sci 1136(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1136/1/012045
Costa LHM, Rodrigues GPW (2021) Automatic generation of water distribution networks from streets layout. Water Resour Manag 35:1299–1319. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-021-02785-8
Dahl LA (1950) The parametric equations in the treatment of multicomponent systems. J Phys Chem 54(4):547–564
Hallmann C, Kuhlemann S (2018) Model generator for water distribution systems. Oper Res Proc. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89920-6_34
Han B, Sun D, Yu X, Song W, Ding L (2020) Classification of urban street networks based on tree-like networks features. Sustainability 12(2):628. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020628
ITA (2020) EPACAD. Universitat Politécnica de Valência. https://www.epacad.com/. Accessed 10 Aug 2022
Möderl M, Fetz T, Rauch W (2007) Stochastic approach for performance evaluation regarding water distribution systems. Water Sci Technol 56(9):29–36
Möderl M, Sitzenfrei R, Fetz T, Fleischhacker E, RauchW, (2011) Systematic generation of virtual networks for water supply. Water Resour Res 47:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1029/2009WR008951
Muranho J, Ferreira A, Sousa J, Gomes A, Marques AS (2012) WaterNetGen: an EPANET extension for automatic water distribution network models generation and pipe sizing. Water Supply. https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2011.121
Rodrigues GPW, Costa LHM, Farias GM, Castro MAH (2019) A depth-first search algorithm for optimizing the gravity pipe networks layout. Water Resour Manag 33(13):4583–4598
Rossman LA (2000) EPANET 2 Users Manual. U. S. Enviromental Protection Agency, Cincinnati
Simmons GF (1995) Calculus with Analytic Geometry (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
Trifunović N, Maharjan B, Vairavamoorthy K (2013) Spatial network generation tool for water distribution network design and performance analysis. Water Supply 13(1):1–19
Zhou Q, Bao J, Liu H (2022) Mapping urban forms worldwide: an analysis of 8910 street networks and 25 indicators. ISPRS Int J Geo Inf 11(7):370. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi11070370
Funding
The authors thank Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement (CAPES) and Ceará State Foundation for the Support of Scientific and Technological Development (FUNCAP) for the financial support.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
A. F. Frota: data interpretation, code development, paper writing, critical editing of the paper concerning relevant intellectual content, final approval of the version to be published and agrees to answer for all aspects of the work. L. H. M. Costa: data interpretation, code development, paper writing, critical editing of the paper concerning relevant intellectual content, final approval of the version to be published and agrees to answer for all aspects of the work. J. N. de A. Costa: mathematical treatment, critical editing of the paper concerning relevant intellectual content, approval of the final version to be published and agrees to answer for all aspects of the work. M. A. H. de Castro: critical editing of the work concerning relevant intellectual content, approval of the final version to be published and agrees to answer for all aspects of the work.
Corresponding authors
Ethics declarations
Ethical Approval
Not applicable.
Consent to Participate
Not applicable.
Consent to Publish
The authors consent with the publication of the manuscript.
Competing Interests
The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Frota, A.F., Costa, L.H.M., de Abreu Costa, J.N. et al. Automatic Generation of Water Distribution Networks Using Central Street Lines. Water Resour Manage 38, 1225–1240 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-023-03717-4
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-023-03717-4