Optimum layout design of sewer networks by hybrid genetic algorithm

To optimize the layout of a sewer network, first, the feasible layouts of the network are generated and then the best layout design is identified from among the numerous possible configurations subject to constraints. For this purpose, a Hybrid Genetic Algorithm (HGA) is developed here. This paper proposes a novel method, combined Genetic Algorithm with Tree Growing Algorithm (GA-TGA) technique, which uses a suitable growth algorithm, TGA, to avoid the problems associated with the configuring of infeasible solutions. Two benchmark examples of sewer networks are used to test the proposed model. It is concluded in the first benchmark example that the present model reaches the optimum solution with the fewest generations compared with the previous methods. As for the results of the second benchmark example, they showed that the proposed model offers great promise to be part of the simultaneous and global optimization model in future studies.