Fire flow computation with network models

Water mains are usually designed to meet demands for firefighting. Fire flow is the maximum flow rate available at a specified pressure, typically 20 psi (138 kPa). Water network models provide the capability to compute these flows at all points in a distribution system. This article presents a simple and rigorous sequential search procedure for computing fire flows using network models. The method can be applied manually between runs of the model, or it can easily be incorporated into existing computer codes. Examples illustrate the procedure's excellent convergence properties. Enhancement of water distribution system design, planning, and management is a principal benefit of the proposed methodology.