Abstract: In one example embodiment, an analysis software package implements an improved damage detection technique to identify damaged elements of a structure. The software package accesses a model and receives measured responses resulting from physical testing of the structure under initial conditions and under damaged conditions. The analysis software package may search for a set of damaged elements, wherein the searching is based on an error function that evaluates goodness-of-fit between the model and the structure under damaged conditions based on a discrepancy between a modeled response difference and a measured response difference, wherein the modeled response difference is a difference between modeled responses determined from the model configured to model initial conditions and with selected damaged elements, and the measured response difference is a difference in measured responses determined from physical testing of the structure under the initial conditions and under the damaged conditions.

Abstract: A method and system for optimal design of a water distribution network is provided. Three levels of optimization are available as options for selection by the user and these include least cost optimization, maximum benefit optimization and cost-benefit tradeoff optimization. The optimization models, in accordance with the present invention, include solutions generated by a competent genetic algorithm that can take into account multiple objective functions. Pareto-optimal solutions are produced for the whole range of a budget for the water distribution system. Tradeoff solutions allow engineers to apply engineering judgement to choose the true optimal solution under the specific application being considered.

Abstract: A method and system for optimization of a simplified engineering model is provided. A software tool efficiently simplifies an engineering model such as a water distribution system and preserves the hydraulic accuracy of the simplified model. The system includes a software program that employs a genetic algorithm to evolve solutions for reinstating the behavior of the original network into a simplified network. The genetic algorithm can be used for identifying the less sensitive hydraulic elements (links and nodes), and removing them or replacing them with the best-fit element parameters produced by the genetic algorithm module of the present invention. A element-by-element skeletonization approach generates the layout of a skeleton network and then identifies potential equivalent elements for replacing series pipes and loops.

Abstract: A method and system for reduction of a network topology-based system having automated optimization features is provided. The method allows for skeletonization to be performed by one or more desired processes including Data Scrubbing, Parallel and Series Pipe Removal techniques, and Branch Trimming techniques. The Data Scrubbing technique includes a loop retaining sensitivity setting that allows the user to determine how large the hydraulic loops are that remain in the system. The data scrubbing technique also includes a network-walking feature in which the software will check each element, when desired, and determine whether it is safe to remove that element without affecting the topological and hydraulic connectivity of the engineering model being reduced.