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 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) to achieve the following main activities: (a) auto-detect water leak from the water system and study its causes; (b) select the cost-effective rehabilitation method considering impact on environment and the total cost through the life cycle of a water main project; (c) assess the reliability of water distribution networks and evaluate the performance of water transmission mains; and (d) develop a model to optimize the allocation of municipal resources (emergency and repair crews (labor and equipment)) among emergency projects. These activities and models will be developed using Monte Carlo simulation, web geographical information system (Web-GIS), optimization, and decision making techniques. 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 system 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.