Hydraulic Transients in Distribution Systems

Waterhammer can degrade the integrity of a distribution system in one of two ways: through catastrophic failure or by benign failure. Catastrophic failure occurs during a waterhammer event when pipes rupture, joints move, excessive noise occurs, etc. Benign failure may occur over a period of years and may consist of lining failure and pipe wall pitting. Three case studies are cited: Salt Lake County, Utah; Rockdale County, Georgia; and The City of Atlanta, Georgia. Methods of structuring the water distribution system model for waterhammer analysis are discussed. The unique response and associated problems in the three systems are highlighted. And finally, recommendations for mitigation of surge problems are suggested for each of the three systems.