Automated Design of Wastewater Collection Systems Using Genetic Algorithms

The size, shape and slope of pipes are major components of the overall cost of wastewater collection systems. In the past, designers have used charts and specialized rules to determine the size, slopes and materials when designing wastewater collection networks. However, genetic algorithms (GA) provide powerful technique for automating the design and minimizing the construction costs of wastewater networks. This paper describes the development and application of a GA using a repair procedure to incorporate the numerous constraints involved designing a large gravity wastewater collection system.