Applying ZuluGIS and ISIGR software in hydraulic calculations
of outdoor water supply systems

Summary

A comparative analysis of specialised ZuluGIS and ISIGR software packages designed for the hydraulic simulation of outdoor water supply systems is presented. The research is focused on estimating the calculation accuracy, rate of computing, and user-friendliness of the software. The methods for calculating λ, hydraulic resistance coefficient, accounting local losses, the possibilities of setting parameters and performing calculations for the representative water supply modes: the maximum, average and minimum hourly flow rates per day, maximum, average and minimum water consumption, as well as maximum hourly water consumption for fire extinguishing purposes were estimated. The results showed that ZuluGIS provided for the fast data processing and integration with the geographic information systems; however, it has limitations in model dimensions in the free version. ISIGR provides the user with possible choosing different calculation formulas to determine the hydraulic resistance coefficient; however, the it depends on the Internet connection and server infrastructure. The findings indicate that ZuluGIS is preferable for designing and analyzing complex networks, whereas ISIGR will be better for operational calculations and educational purposes. The results obtained will be helpful while choosing software for hydraulic simulation.

Key words

hydraulic modeling , hydraulic resistance coefficient , ZuluGIS , ISIGR , outdoor water supply systems , Darcy–Veisbach equation , rate of computing , geographic information systems , designing water distribution networks