Simulation and IT-based modeling for construction operations and infrastructure systems

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The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) reported that there were more than 112,000 kilometers of water mains in Canada, which required $12.5 billion over 15-year (1997-2012) period to rehabilitate the existing (deteriorated) and construct new water mains in order to cope with the projected population growth. Although there are several research works, reported in the literature, on construction and rehabilitation of municipal infrastructure systems, further investigation is needed to study the most cost-effective rehabilitation method(s) for various elements of water system and to optimize the allocation of municipal resources (budget, labor, and equipment) to water system projects. The applicant, capitalizing on his previous and ongoing research works on infrastructure management systems, is planning to investigate the area of underground municipal infrastructure systems from construction and rehabilitation perspectives. The proposed research involves designing a decision support system (DSS) in order to manage water main projects. The DSS includes the following three main activities: (a) design a Monte Carlo simulation model that selects the most cost-effective rehabilitation method considering impact on environment and the total cost through the life cycle of a project; (b) establish a priority index model that optimizes budget allocation to water main projects using multi-attribute utility theory; and (c) develop a resource allocation model in order to optimize the allocation of municipal resources (water emergency and repair crews (labor and equipment)) among projects. This resource model will be developed by integrating web geographical information system (Web-GIS) with multi-objective goal optimization models. The DSS will facilitate, using the web as a platform, communication among various levels of municipal management and accelerate their decision-making process. The proposed research will contribute to the state of the art of water main rehabilitation management in both academic and industrial sectors. This research is deemed essential to the three government tiers (municipal, provincial, and federal) to meet public needs of quality of life, safety, and health.