Use of discrete choice to calibrate a combined distribution and sewer pipe replacement model

ABSTRACT

We present a weighted sum model to calculate the risk index, which is equivalent to a priority index for the replacement of pipes in a network. This index is based on two factors related to pipe condition (probability of failure and supply pipe leakage flow), and three factors related to the consequences of pipe failure (non-served demand for supply pipes, maximum evacuation flow for sewer pipes, and pipe relevance). The procedure encompasses both the supply and sewer networks, to avoid the need for ex-ante budget allocations. We tested different configurations for the risk index function terms, and calculated the associated weights by means of a discrete choice experiment. We applied the procedure to a large water company in Spain, where the results were fully accepted as an equilibrium representation of the renovation opinions of its technical staff.

KEYWORDS:

• Water asset management
• multi-criteria
• weighted sum model
• risk index
• discrete choice

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was completed thanks to the financial and technical support provided by EMASESA through tenders 273/17 and 286/17.