Application of genetic algorithms - Determination of the optimal pipe diameters

The past decade has marked the development of computational capacity that far exceeds the capacity of the “instructor” to define options to be evaluated when optimisation has to be achieved. In the context of water supply, there are numerous variables that can influence the selection and, hence, the final cost of system implementation, improvement and operation. This article reflects some of the findings of a research project, funded by the Water Research Commission of South Africa to establish the potential use of GAs in the water industry in South Africa. A utility program (GAPOP) was developed to demonstrate the application of GAs in the determination of the optimal pipe diameter.