Author(s)

G.A. Walters & D.A. Savic

Abstract

Evolution Programs (EP's) are computer-based optimization techniques which mimic natural evolution. Considerable interest has arisen in the application of EP's to the solution of very large combinatorial optimization problems, which are common in engineering design yet very difficult to handle using conventional numerical techniques. The paper introduces EP's through Genetic Algorithms, developed over a twenty year period in the U.S.A, and outlines the parallel development of Evolution Strategies in Germany. A review is then made of EP's applied to water systems. Examples are drawn from the areas of water and gas supply and sewerage. Optimal network layout and pipe sizing algorithms devised by the authors and others are described. These show the power and capacity of EP's to solve very lar

Keywords