This slide presentation outlines a case study at the Dallas Water Utilities on developing a geographic information system (GIS) data set for pipeline prioritization and replacement. The purpose of this project was to:
demonstrate the importance of cleaning up data for
analysis;
identify knowledgeable assumptions to fill in gaps
in available data (within reason); and, to recognize that
value can be created for clients by better utilizing
existing resources.
GIS techniques were used to:
QC existing pipeline inventory data;
develop and analyze main break data trends; and,
develop and analyze pipeline prioritization
data. Data clean-up involved: pipe material; pipe age; and, correlation between field book
and installation year. Main break analysis involved: data preparation; rules and levels of confidence; and, geocoding QA/QC.
Three categories were developed to prioritize pipe repair, replacement, or
inspection that included: Physical - analysis of physical characteristics of the pipes and the
environmental factors that can affect their physical condition; Functional - identify current and historic performance of the main; and,
Impact - identify critical areas that require continual water service. Results and lessons learned are outlined. Includes tables.