Engineering Modeling Applications
Engineering Modeling Applications
Models of water distribution systems have a long history — likely longer than most realize. However, in recent decades, the functional capabilities, user interfaces, and processing algorithms have markedly improved. While many professionals in the water sector may have reviewed or even developed a model in the past, today's practice of modeling has evolved significantly, and with the proliferation of advanced technology throughout the water sector, tomorrow's engineers and operators will commonly use even more advanced models of our vital water infrastructure.
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Hydraulic Modeling
Hydraulic models are typically developed to show a snapshot of a utility’s system, for master planning purposes or to run “what if” scenarios. Distribution system models are being used more routinely to evaluate issues having to do with operations, energy use, vulnerability, and water quality, in addition to their traditional applications. As the need to more accurately model systems proliferates, the models increase in complexity and level of detail.
- Committee Report: Using Transient Hydraulic Models to Design Surge Control Devices (Journal AWWA, April 2022)
- Committee Report: Trends in Water Distribution System Modeling (Journal AWWA, October 2014)
- M32 Computer Modeling Water Distribution Systems
Optimizing Water Quality & Treatment
Water quality modeling is a powerful tool for analyzing the fate and effect of contaminant transport in drinking water plants and distribution systems.
- Water Quality Modeling in Distribution Systems (Journal AWWA, March 2022)
- CFD Modeling Optimizes Water Treatment Plant Performance (Journal AWWA, July 2019)
- Predicting manganese and iron precipitation in drinking water biofilters (AWWA Water Science, January 2021)
Transient Modeling
Transient modeling focuses on oscillations in piping systems caused by a sudden change in system operations, such as pump failure or rapid valve closure. Modeling is used to identify mitigation measures for potentially damaging high or low-pressure waves caused by a transient event. The starting point of a transient model is generally a well-calibrated or depictive hydraulic model.
Water Distribution System Modeling Literature Review Database (April 2019)
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Events With a Focus on Engineering Modeling
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Related Resources
Modeling Water Quality In Distribution Systems
Learn how to create and use water-quality computer modeling to improve water quality in distribution systems.
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Handbook of Hydraulics
This thoroughly revised resource offers comprehensive coverage of every aspect of hydraulics.
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Committee Report: Using Transient Hydraulic Models to Design Surge Control Devices
Water distribution systems should have a surge mitigation strategy in place to address the common occurrences of high- and low-pressure surges, which can sometimes be harmful to system infrastructure.
Read the Article
Committee Report: Trends in Water Distribution System Modeling
This report discusses the results of the EMAC 2009 and 2013 surveys, the past and current modeling issues challenging utilities, and trends that will shape distribution network modeling.
Read the Article
Water Quality Modeling in Distribution Systems
Water quality modeling is an effective way for utilities to anticipate changes in a water distribution system and make necessary treatment modifications.
Read the Article
CFD Modeling Optimizes Water Treatment Plant Performance
CFD modeling helped a colorado utility optimize the hydraulic efficiency of its water treatment plant.
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Predicting manganese and iron precipitation in drinking water biofilters
Manganese is removed from drinking water because of aesthetic, health, and corrosion concerns. Like iron, manganese removal in biofilters depends on homogeneous, heterogeneous, and biological processes.
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Committee Report: Getting Started in Transient Analysis, Transient Analysis Subcommittee of the Engineering Modeling Applications Committee
You have a hydraulic model of your system but you’re hesitant to dip your toe into transient analysis. Here is some guidance to get you started.
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New developments in premise plumbing: Integrative hydraulic hydraulic and water quality modeling
Significant seasonal changes in chemical and microbiological water quality can occur in buildings at different fixture locations due to temperature and time dependent reaction rates.
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Operator Involvement Leads to Hydraulic Modeling Success
A firm deadline and a tight budget meant there was little room for error in a water district’s improvement project. Thanks to the expertise and innovative thinking of a cross-departmental team, the project results exceeded expectations.
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Technical Committee Engagement
AWWA members are recognized globally for their industry expertise and their generosity in sharing that expertise for a better world through better water. AWWA members participate in committee activities, developing conference programs, writing technical manuals, developing standards, creating educational content and contributing to AWWA publications. Committee members primarily interact through conference calls, emails, and face to face meetings at conferences and events.
Engineering Modeling Applications
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