Urban Water Infrastructure

The research group addresses a wide range of issues across the urban water cycle with a focus on urban water systems, both drinking water distribution networks and urban drainage (or sewer) systems. We also address a wide range of cross cutting topics such as water-energy-food nexus, circular economy, sustainability and environmental impact assessment. Our research also addresses cross-cutting infrastructure transition and environmental challenges both in developed and developing countries. It involves developing and applying novel methods and technologies involving modelling (mechanistic and data-driven), experimental and field work.
 

The research in drinking water distribution system focuses on the following key topics: smart water systems and digital twins; leakage assessment and management; pressure management; real-time state estimation (online models) and control; anomaly detection, localisation and response (pipe bursts and equipment failures), water demand characterisation, forecasting and management; optimal planning, design, rehabilitation and adaptation to climate change and other uncertainties; operational optimisation (e.g. pump scheduling); asset management (inspection methods, asset deterioration, prioritisation for replacement); cyber security; surrogate modelling; wide range of water quality issues (discolouration, microbial and chemical water quality, biofilms, water temperature); monitoring network design.

 

The research in urban drainage systems focuses on the following key areas: real-time control of sewer systems; nature based solutions and sustainable drainage systems; integration of blue, green and grey infrastructure; asset management (AI-based inspection, rehabilitation methods, maintenance scheduling); optimal design, rehabilitation and adaptation to climate change; flood risk assessment and management; detection of blockages and floating plastics; resource recovery and recycling; sewer mining; sediment transport; new sanitation concept; wide range of water quality related issues; public health.