Selling the Benefits of Hydraulic Modelling to Management

Why the Hard Sell?

Why the Hard Sell?

• Hydraulic Modelling is an Important Planning Tool;

• Provides understanding of Asset Performance;

• Can save thousands on Capital Expenditure by ensuring that proposed works achieve design objectives; and

• Allows the most cost effective solutions to be developed.

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So What Scares Management?

So What Scares Management?

• Hydraulic modelling requires managers to commit significant expenditure for an unknown return;

• Modellers can sometimes over-analyse things;

• Modellers are viewed as boffins who must always have the latest technology to play with.

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Tools not Toys!

Tools not Toys!

• Models are part of an overall Asset Management Strategy;

• Models are digital representations of real systems;

• Modelling must have a clear objectives; and

• Need to promote how the completed models will be used to better manage hydraulic systems.

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Asset Management Tools

Asset Management Tools

• Asset Register;

• Maintenance Management System;

• GIS;

• SCADA; and

• Hydraulic Models:- to be able to analyse system performance and propose solutions

to system deficiencies.

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Digital Representations of Real Systems

Digital Representations of Real Systems

• Modelling is an engineering exercise;

• Target Young Staff who have fresh minds;

• Experienced Engineers can help with reality checks;

• Need to consult widely with system operators.

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Objectives of Model Development

Objectives of Model Development

• Design Tool for Major Capital Works Projects;

• Provide Understanding of System Liabilities;

• Planning for future growth;

• System optimisation;

Models need to be built to suit the desired objectives

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What is the Model For?

What is the Model For?

• The Value of Modelling is not in the Model itself;

• The Value of Modelling is in how the models are used;

• Modelling Proposals must focus on what the models will be used for.

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Publicise the Benefits of Modelling

Publicise the Benefits of Modelling

• Models can and do save millions in capital works;

• Where this has occurred, make sure that people know about it;

• Don’t be backward in coming forward!

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Tatura Water Main Augmentation Example

• Need to augment supply capacity to TMI

• Strategy to augment supply along Service St

•2 sections of Hogan St Main previously upgraded

• 12 Months later Council announces partial reconstruction of Hogan St.

• Service St Water Main no longer required

•Council will pay for bulk of the cost associated with main replacement.

• Water Authority pays for larger pipe size.

•Remaining section of Hogan St Main to be upgraded at a later date.

• Capital Cost saving of over $3M.

04/21/23Presentation Title Page 18

WTP

TMI

SHOW GROUNDS

Service St Brown St

Ros

s S

t

Mah

erS

t

Hogan St

O’Reilly Rd

Tatura Water Supply Master Plan

Proposed Ross St, Service St, Brown St Main Augmentation

Selling Models to Management

Selling Modelling to Management

• Promote Modelling as a key component of an overall asset management plan;

• Detail what you expect to achieve from hydraulic modelling;

• Document how the modelling tools you intend to develop will be used to meet the desired objectives;

• Celebrate Savings Attributable to Modelling

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Thank You

stephen.dagata@aecom.com