Pipeline criticality assessments help utility managers to identify system weaknesses and inform decision-making regarding which assets to replace or repair. The use of a hydraulic simulation model is often a key component because it can quantify potential levels of service disruption. Unfortunately, many utilities do not have access to hydraulic information, and this can limit both the scope and accuracy of a criticality analysis. This research considers graph analysis techniques as a potential alternative to hydraulic models when quantifying pipe criticality. Standard graph metrics of betweenness centrality and connectivity are adapted to account for connectivity to supply points in the system, which is critical for estimating potential service loss. The approach is presented on a real system. Empirical results suggest that the proposed graph metrics represent appropriate tools for identifying high throughput assets, suggesting that they can be adopted in cases where hydraulic model data is unavailable for asset criticality prioritization purposes.

Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library 


Pipeline criticality assessments help utility managers to identify system weaknesses and inform decision-making regarding which assets to replace or repair. The use of a hydraulic simulation model is often a key component because it can quantify potential levels of service disruption. Unfortunately, many utilities do not have access to hydraulic information, and this can limit both the scope and accuracy of a criticality analysis. This research considers graph analysis techniques as a potential alternative to hydraulic models when quantifying pipe criticality. Standard graph metrics of betweenness centrality and connectivity are adapted to account for connectivity to supply points in the system, which is critical for estimating potential service loss. The approach is presented on a real system. Empirical results suggest that the proposed graph metrics represent appropriate tools for identifying high throughput assets, suggesting that they can be adopted in cases where hydraulic model data is unavailable for asset criticality prioritization purposes.

**[Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/9780784483602.014)** 


Pipe Criticality Assessment without a Hydraulic Model

Papers from sessions of Pipelines 2021, held virtually August 3–6, 2021. Sponsored by the Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute of ASCE. The conference provides a forum for pipeline engineers and practitioners from all around the world to share their experiences in meeting the challenges of today's pipeline infrastructure. This premier industry event has become the conference of choice for utility and pipeline owners, design and consulting engineers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, students, educators, researchers, and pipeline professionals. The conference includes surveying as it relates to pipeline and utility projects. This event will provide a dynamic and inspiring venue for participants to share and gain valuable knowledge related to planning, designing, constructing, renewing, operating, managing and maintaining the pipeline assets.

[Paper Proceedings](https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483602)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.6454f875c8d4320012b71046