Air valve arrangement criteria for preventing secondary pipe bursts in long-distance gravitational water supply systems

Pipe burst incidents in long-distance gravitational water supply systems (LGWSSs) result in hydraulic characteristic variations and pose significant challenges. This study aims to prevent secondary pipe bursts by addressing the propagation of water hammer waves triggered by primary pipe bursts. Based on an analysis of pipe burst incidents and considering different pipe laying methods, air valve arrangement criteria are developed to mitigate the risk of secondary bursts in LGWSS pipelines. The principal results include a reasonable mathematical analysis model for understanding pipe bursts in buried pipes and the determination of air valve arrangement criteria which considers potentially dangerous pressure variations resulting from primary pipe bursts. This model aims to mitigate the adverse effects of pipe bursts and minimize the likelihood of secondary bursts. Implementing the proposed criteria has important engineering applications, thus improving the reasonable and effective placement of air valves to prevent secondary pipe bursts in LGWSSs. The conclusions derived from this study have significant engineering applications, particularly as these pertain to the optimization of the placement of air valves to enhance the resilience and reliability of LGWSSs. By implementing the proposed air valve arrangement criteria, water supply systems can minimize the potential damage caused by pipe bursts and improve overall operational efficiency.