In addition to incurring direct costs, the occurrence of breaks in a water distribution network always has associated social consequences, mainly related to the interruption of water supply during infrastructure repair. In these cases, network segmentation facilitates maintenance activities. However, the Brazilian norms, about network segmentation, relate only the technical guidelines that must be followed. We therefore propose network segmentation based on the impact intensity caused by a lack of water in each pipe segment. To measure this impact, we propose a priority index that aggregates the characteristics of consumer units by the SMARTER multicriteria method. Taking this index into account, we propose a segmentation model for water distribution networks that seeks to maximize the benefits generated and to minimize the number of isolation valves.
Water distribution networks maintenance; Network segmentation; Isolation valves; Characteristics of consumer units; SMARTER
