Water Systems and Infrastructure Modelling & Management

Group Leader: Professor Graeme Dandy

The focus of the Water Systems and Infrastructure Modelling & Management (WaterSIMM) research group is on the sustainable planning, design, operation and management of water infrastructure and natural resources.

Management of water resources and water infrastructure are major issues in Australia in view of the following facts:

1. The continuing drought in the Murray Darling Basin and throughout most of Southern Australia;
2. The likely effects of climate change and climate variability on rainfall, evaporation, streamflows and water demands;
3. The need to develop an approach for the sustainable management of water and related resources (including energy, fossils fuels and biodiversity);
4. The need to plan, maintain, repair and replace ageing water infrastructure in an efficient and sustainable manner.

WaterSIMM is ideally placed to undertake research and to contribute to addressing the issues listed above. The group has unique skills in innovative areas of modelling and optimisation that are directly relevant to addressing these problems.

Furthermore, the group has a successful track record in the application of these tools in the areas of water infrastructure and natural resource management.

Areas of research strength of the group are summarised below:

1. Methods
a. Modelling and simulation using artificial intelligence, statistical and process-based approaches
b. Single and multi-objective optimisation using evolutionary algorithms
c. Transient analysis in pipeline systems

2. Infrastructure Applications
a. Optimisation of the design and operation of water distribution systems using evolutionary algorithms
b. Condition assessment of pipe systems using transients
c. Optimum planning, design and operation of urban water supply systems to achieve sustainability at regional and cluster scales
d. Design and optimisation of water reuse technology

3. Natural Resource Applications
a. Modelling and forecasting of algal populations in reservoirs, lakes and rivers
b. Design of large-scale fully integrated microalgal biodiesel production facilities
c. Modelling and management of coastal processes
d. Spatiotemporal modelling of rainfall events
e. Surface hydrology and flood estimation
f. Modelling of flow and water quality in rivers
g. Process design and optimisation in aquaculture facilities