Design of urban water distribution system by using genetic algorithm

Mathematical solution of water distribution systems is difficult and time consuming because of the fact that formulations used for the design of water distribution systems include exponential functions and have a lot of unknowns. In addition to this, there are a lot of solutions that are hydraulically acceptable. The equations for the desining of water supply systems are not linear. Therefore, to achieve the set of solution, various mathemaical approach-methods are used. Development of computer technology has been the source of the development of various computer programs. It can be said that one of the most important popular method is genetic algorithm (GA) which is a form of theory of evolution. GA uses Darwin?s theory of evolution. The theory says that the most stronger one will survive. The GA is depending on the hierarchy. First one is, the population is random, secondly, crossings shall occure, and in the third place, it is subject to mutation. By using of GA for the solution of water supply systems, firstly, each pipe is so designed that it symbolizes one gen. A population composed of a certain amount of gens is subject to an evaluational development. At the end of the evaluational development, with also another saying, up to the end of maximum generation, the most appropiate individual is determined optimizingly. In this study, a program in Fortran-language for concerned problem has been developed, and used for the solution of water distribution system of the small city Salihli/Manisa in Turkey. The cited program has been run for several times by using different genetic operators, and the results have been evaluated. Keywords : Genetic algorithm, water distribution systems, optimization methods