Algorithmic development of life-cycle assessment: Application of urban water infrastructure systems in Iran

Urban infrastructure has an indisputable role in society’s productivity. Since the residents’ quality of life is dependent on the performance of infrastructure systems, devising procedures for monitoring such systems’ current performance and predicting their future capabilities are necessary. Proper monitoring regime will take into account the remaining efficient performance time of the system and allocate appropriate maintenance and rehabilitation activities, thereby increasing the system productivity. Due to the vital role of water in people’s lives and the immense size and complexity of urban water-distribution systems, the operation of urban water infrastructure is worthy of special attention in this regard. This paper presents an advanced algorithm for life-cycle assessment (LCA) of urban water infrastructure that is capable of determining the optimal time for system rehabilitation, taking into account both the economic and structural aspects of the system performance. The efficiency of the proposed approach is examined through the case study on a real water-distribution system in Iran. The system performance is simulated over its projected performance period via different breakage scenarios, and its efficiency is quantified by using a reliability-based indicator. The costs and benefits associated with the infrastructure performance are then evaluated, and its remaining useful operational life is estimated based on the projected reliability of the system and revenue impacts. The results of the case study imply that the developed method can be used to complement current practices as a proper tool for life cycle assessment of urban water infrastructure.