We will have a special EWC seminar on next Tuesday, Nov 13. It will feature Dr. Martin Lambert from the University of Adelaide, who will discuss: “New Approaches to Pipeline Condition Assessment Using Pressure Transients and Adventures in Smart Water Networks.” Dr. Lambert is the Head of their School of Civil, Environmental, and Mining Engineering, and he is visiting to explore research collaborations with us. An abstract and bio are included below; more information is available on his web site. Please join us in Mann 307 from 4:30-5:30pm.

Title: New Approaches to Pipeline Condition Assessment Using Pressure Transients and Adventures in Smart Water Networks

Abstract: Water distribution systems (WDSs) are important infrastructure assets however, pipe networks in many countries are suffering widespread and significant structural deterioration due to ageing. The need to replace this aging infrastructure is becoming a critical issue for condition assessment managers. Due to the lack of information on pipeline condition, pipe replacement programs are often replacing pipes that are in an acceptable condition and missing pipes that will inevitably burst. The deterioration introduces water loss through leaks, increases the cost of operation and maintenance, and sometimes results in disruptive events such as pipe bursts. Hydraulic transient pressure waves have the potential to be used as a tool for non-invasive assessment of water supply pipelines starting with a focus on leak detection then extended to pipe wall condition assessment. The development of the Smart Water Network (SWN) deployed in Adelaide CBD consists of 305 accelerometers, 23 hydrophones loggers and 23 pressure loggers which have been installed permanently across the network to monitor its acoustic and hydraulic behaviour. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that the data obtained creates an opportunity for better understanding of the water distribution network, better-informed asset management and provides an interesting contrast to the pipe condition assessment research.

Bio: Prof Martin Lambert was the Head of School the School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering at the University of Adelaide from 2015 to 2018 and was previously Head of the School from 2009-2012 and the Associate Dean (Research) in ECMS from 2006-2009. His research has focused on several aspects of water engineering related to the use of fluid transients for the effective and efficient condition assessment of the aging pipe infrastructure, smart networks and stochastic hydrology. He has taught a range of subjects in the School and has been awarded several prizes for teaching including the University Prize for Excellence in Higher Degree by Research Supervision in 2008 and an Australian Learning & Teaching Council citation in 2009.