An integrated visualization framework to support whole-process management of water pipeline safety

Abstract

Timely assessment of structural conditions of water diversion pipelines and taking necessary precautions are essential to ensure the operational safety of large water diversion structures. This paper presents an integrated visualization framework to support the safety management of water diversion pipelines. This holistic framework streamlines data collection, data analysis, warning issuance, and decision-making support in an integrated platform, which improves the automation level of safety management and the efficiency of emergency response. A system prototype was developed based on the proposed framework and implemented in a water supply project in Tianjin, China. The system prototype can automatically assess the structural condition of water diversion pipelines and issue corresponding warnings to relevant professionals, and provide visual cues and a set of useful functions to support decision-making. This system prototype and its implementation validate the applicability and efficacy of the proposed framework.