Análisis hidráulico y evaluación económica del diámetro de tuberías en sistemas de alcantarillado en áreas rurales mediante modelación numérica

Abstract

"The research addresses the optimization of sewer system design in rural areas, based on numerical modeling. Sewer systems in these areas face particular challenges, such as low population density and limited economic resources. Hydraulic analysis determines the optimal pipe diameter, ensuring efficient wastewater flow transport without risks of overflows or blockages, in compliance with current regulations. Economic evaluation is crucial in selecting pipe diameter; opting for a larger diameter reduces long-term maintenance costs but implies a higher initial cost. We used Sewer GEMS hydraulic design software to recreate the sanitary sewer network, maintaining the nodes and pipes that make up the original design network. Seven sanitary sewer systems were analyzed through numerical modeling, with two simulations performed for each: one with the original diameters and another with smaller commercial diameters. The analysis included the evaluation of variables such as flow rate, flow velocity, percentage of pipe capacity used, and system cost. The results showed that reducing the diameter did not significantly affect the hydraulic capacity of the networks, allowing for cost reduction. The findings indicated that the use of smaller diameters may be a viable option in rural areas, where flow demand is lower, allowing for optimization of installation and maintenance costs without compromising system performance. This study contributes to improving the planning and optimization of sewer systems in rural contexts, demonstrating that a controlled reduction in pipe diameter can be economically beneficial and technically feasible.