Metrics to quantify the degree of co-location of urban water infrastructure

Journal Article (2024)
Authors

Shamsuddin Daulat (Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Klepp Kommune)

B. Roghani (Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU))

J.G. Langeveld (TU Delft - Sanitary Engineering)

Marius Møller Rokstad (Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU))

Franz Tscheikner-Gratl (Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU))

Research Group
Sanitary Engineering
To reference this document use:
https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2024.191
More Info
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Publication Year
2024
Language
English
Research Group
Sanitary Engineering
Issue number
1
Volume number
90
Pages (from-to)
168-189
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2024.191
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Abstract

Co-located infrastructure networks such as road, water, and sewer in theory offer the possibility for integrated multi-infrastructure interventions. However, how closely these networks are aligned in space and time determines the practical extent to which such coordinated interventions can be realized. This study quantifies the spatial alignment of the aforementioned infrastructure networks and demonstrates its application for integrated interventions and potential cost savings. It proposes two metrics, namely 1) shared surface area and, 2) shared trench volume, to quantify the spatial relationship (i.e., degree of co-location) of infrastructures. Furthermore, the study demonstrates how the degree of co-location can be used as a proxy for cost-saving potential of integrated interventions compared to silo-based, single-infrastructure, interventions. Through six case studies conducted in Norwegian municipalities, the research reveals that implementing integrated interventions across road, water, and sewer networks can result in potential average cost savings of 24% in urban areas and 11% in rural areas. Utility-specific savings under different cost-sharing scenarios were also analysed. To identify the yearly potential of integrated multi-infrastructure interventions, future work should add the temporal alignment of rehabilitation of infrastructures (i.e., time of intervention need for the infrastructures).