Geo-Spatial Information for the Location and Maintenance Management of Water Service Pipelines

Abstract:

This study examined the geo-spatial information needed for locating and maintaining water service pipelines. Geo-spatial information about the components of water service pipelines are a sine qua non for their location above, on or under the surface of the earth as well as the effective preventive maintenance of the entire water service pipelines. The Faculty of Engineering water service network in University of Benin, Benin City, was used as a case study. The geo-spatial data of the components of water service pipelines were acquired using Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, while the attribute data were acquired using a standard checklist. Thereafter, the geo-spatial data (GPS data) were processed, and all the GPS data acquired in geographic co-ordinates were converted to plane rectangular co-ordinates, based on Minna Datum of Nigeria, using INCA GeoMATRIX software. The rectangular coordinates were exported into Autodesk Land development software, and vector model of the water service infrastructure in digital format was produced. A database was designed and created for geo-spatial and attribute information of various components of water service infrastructure (WSI). The study has revealed the locations of the burst pipes and the control valves that were malfunctioning, where the water pumped from the ground level storage reservoir, ooze out and caused artificial water scarcity in the Faculty of Engineering. The burst pipes were replaced with Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) pipes since they are nowadays most preferred for water supply piping. The control valves were also replaced with new ones. The GPS coordinates obtained in this study were used to determine the locations of the various components of water service infrastructure (WSI) in the study area. The geo-spatial and attribute information of hydraulic characteristics of the WSI has facilitated the planning, updating, operation and maintenance management of water service scheme in the study area. Furthermore, the study has provided a dynamic water service scheme of the Faculty of Engineering in digital format, which supersedes the existing, static water service scheme that is difficult to update, maintain and in analogue format. The dynamic water service scheme as well as the geo-spatial information of WSI can be updated and maintained regularly.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 824)
• Pages: 635-642
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.824.635
• Online since: September 2013
• Authors: Henry A.P. Audu, U. Ukeme
• Keywords: Geo-Spatial Information, Global Positioning System, Hydraulic Characteristics, Maintenance Management, Water Service Infrastructure

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