Design Specification for the Structural Health Monitoring System of London Water Supply System - Essay Example

The wireless sensor networks are responsible for collecting application data like hydraulic pressure transients, leak detection and monitoring of water quality parameters and levels in combined sewer outflows (CSO). Water supply and sewer networks are detected for leaks, water quality and contamination resulting from sewer overflows. 2. Introduction Most water distribution systems face the challenge of significant water loss through leakage that is translated to economic loss. Reduction in leakage through well strategized actions in water network management translates into economic benefits.

Leakage of fresh water can cause severe damage while that of waste water lead to contamination of soil and environment. The clean up process may be very expensive. Catastrophic failures result to environment degradation, loss of human life and production of large masses of demolished waste. Building codes and design methods are used to produce structures safe for public utility. At times, structures are exposed to harsh conditions through loads and the surrounding not planned for during the design process.

These harsh conditions normally produce long-term structural deterioration. Structures, therefore, need continuous assessment through various techniques. The common techniques used are; Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). . This technique is used to monitor fresh water mains and sewerage pipes. In the technique, the following are observed: a. Failure mechanisms b. Parameters to be measured c. Range, accuracy, resolution and sampling regime for preferred parameters and processes. 3. Case study- London Water Supply System The largest water project responsible for supply of water in London is the Thames Water Ring Main (TWRM).

Five different treatment works supply drinking water to more than six million clients. Gravitational force forces the water to eleven pumping stations installed with shafts. The pumping stations are located at southern, central and north-western areas of the metropolis. Delivery is done directly to water supply zones or to service reservoirs. Objectives of water project were determined by many factors. The factors are; Satisfaction of average and peak demands for water in London to cushion leakage through control action plan effects Maintainan quality and acceptable service to clients in regard to pressure Control hazards related to water supply operations to the environment and social life.

Maintain and improve water supply infrastructure in London Control cost at short and long term levels in relation to manpower and energy spent in pumping (Bensted, 1994 p.1-4). 4. Failure Mechanisms Damage refers to changes that occur to material or geometric properties of a structure and completely affects its performance. All engineering material used in construction of any system posses inherent initial flaws. Flaws generated from the environment and operational loading develop continuously and lead to component level failure.

System level failure results with time due to continuous loading. The duration and time scales