Interactive Simulation-Based Educational Software for Management of Municipal Sewer Networks

摘要

SIMSEWER is an interactive computer simulation software package that allows the user to try his/her skills in managing a network of buried pipes. The objective of this software is to introduce the user to the concepts of infrastructure management, engineering economics and various techniques of sewer rehabilitation. The program enables the user to develop his/her management strategy for a simulated trunk sewer network and evaluate its effectiveness using the following performance parameters: infrastructure deficit (cost difference required to upgrade infrastructure to its highest condition rating); overall condition of the system; and, financial status. The paper presents the methodology and key components of SIMSEWER including operating rules, databases, user's interface and reporting features. Developed to serve the needs of engineering students as well as practitioners, it can use for the analysis of "what-if" scenarios for different economic conditions, maintenance rates and deterioration rates for evaluating the effectiveness of competing management approaches.