Analysis of pipe networks by the finite element method

In this paper, the finite element technique used in the analysis and design of water distribution networks will be presented. The method was applied successfully to the solution of three different networks. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach and to show some merits and demerits of the finite element method, a comparison was made on a digital computer with the standard Hardy Cross method. In all cases the finite element method was shown to provide superior performance. Moreover, the programmes were run on three different machines [Wang vs 100, Apple IIe, and IBM micro-computer] to show the effect of increasing storage capacity, machine accuracy, and time saving.