Identifying critical water distribution network segments through minimum cut-sets

To ensure the performance of water distribution networks (WDNs), identifying critical segments that impact users during failures is essential. This study applies topology-based methods for preliminary screening, identifying the minimum cut-set between the source and demand segments in a segment-valve representation. The frequency of segment occurrence in all minimum cut-sets determines its ranking and criticality. This study utilized four distinct WDNs to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method. A strategy of randomly removing valves was employed to simulate real-world scenarios in which valves may be absent or subject to random failures. Then, identified critical segments were compared with those determined from hydraulic simulations based on demand shortfall, showing a strong correlation. Findings indicate that critical segments are consistently located on the pathway connecting the branch networks to the main network. Even under unpredictable valve failures, a similar pattern emerged, demonstrating the effectiveness of the topology-based approach for initial screening.