Application of a genetic algorithm for the optimal pipe diameter calculation in a potable water distribution network: A case study in Tarapoto, Peru

The genetic algorithm is a search and optimization technique inspired by natural evolution, effectively solving problems with multiple possible solutions.This article presents its application in the optimal calculation of pipe diameters in potable water distribution networks-a complex problem due to its combinatorial nature and the hydraulic constraints involved.A computational solution was developed using a genetic algorithm to identify diameter configurations that minimize the total cost of the pipes while ensuring adequate pressure and velocity conditions.The results, obtained from a simulated network of 34 pipes and 31 nodes, show that the algorithm achieved optimal solutions in a reduced computation time, with a 99.5% improvement in calculation efficiency and an 81% reduction in costs.It is concluded that the genetic algorithm is a powerful tool for the efficient design of hydraulic infrastructure.