Condition monitoring of water distribution pipelines as a rehabilitation aid

Ziel

The main objective is to establish new or improved methods to aid rehabilitation decision making for water distribution pipelines. Rehabilitation is necessary when the performance of a pipe (be it water quality, structural condition or hydraulic capability) falls below acceptable standards. Methods for assessing the structural integrity of a pipe, tend to concentrate on burst rates or leakage levels. This excludes the consideration of partially-worn pipes which may be about to fail. Condition monitoring of pipelines enables a better representation of the state of a system to be formed. When combined with established burst prediction models, this will provide a more reliable method for selecting which pipes need to be replaced and when. Existing condition monitoring techniques will be compared, with consideration given to costs and feasibility (realistic level of coverage). An emphasis on localised non-destructive methods such as electromagnetic and ultrasound techniques will be made. In addition, the effect of water quality on pipe deterioration will be explored. A method will then be proposed for determining the risk of failure either on an individual pipe level or for groups of pipes linked by similar key attributes (e.g. material, diameter, age). This information will be combined with statistical and analytical models developed by the host and applicant in previous research. Cemagref can provide training into their in-house models and techniques and their extensive knowledge of pressurised systems, including the use of hydraulic models. Working in France will provide the applicant with knowledge of the French water industry and research practices and will improve his French. Working at Cemagref Bordeaux will provide knowledge of research areas, such as statistical pipe failure models, hydraulic models and the possibility to continue working on the European project (CARE-W- computer aided rehabilitation of water networks) afterwards.

Wissenschaftliches Gebiet

Programm/Programme

FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002"

Thema/Themen

1.1.4.-1. - Key action Sustainable Management and Quality of Water

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

Data not available

Finanzierungsplan

RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)

Koordinator

N/A

EU-Beitrag

Keine Daten

Adresse

Gesamtkosten