Master hydraulic transient modeling to prevent destructive pipeline failures, mitigate pressure surges, and engineer safe, highly resilient fluid distribution systems.
Pressure transients remain one of the most misunderstood and underestimated risks in water infrastructure design. While steady-state hydraulic models are routinely used to size pipelines and assess network performance, many systems remain vulnerable to surge events caused by pump failures, power outages, valve operations, and rapid changes in flow conditions. When not adequately considered during design, these transient pressures can lead to pipeline failures, asset damage, service interruptions, operational inefficiencies, and significant lifecycle costs.
As water networks become more complex and critical infrastructure operators seek to improve resilience, engineers are increasingly expected to understand how transient conditions influence network performance. Effective surge management requires more than simply adding protection devices; it requires a detailed understanding of system hydraulics, operational scenarios, network controls, and asset interactions.
This session examines the practical application of surge analysis in water infrastructure projects. The webinar explores transient hydraulic behaviour, modelling methodologies, common surge protection strategies, and lessons learned from real-world projects. Participants will gain practical insight into identifying surge risks, interpreting modelling outputs, and designing more resilient water transmission and distribution systems.
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Principal Engineer | WSP in New Zealand
Syed Ali Abdullah Rizvi has over 16 years of experience in the design of water networks. His expertise includes watermain renewals, designing pressurized and gravity networks, design management, and coordination with stakeholders, local authorities, and developers. He is skilled in understanding requirements, resolving complex problems through innovative solutions, and contributing to successful project delivery. He also supports business development activities, including the preparation of technical and financial project proposals. He has completed the design of large transmission main networks as well as distribution systems. His experience includes the renewal and rehabilitation of existing pipelines, project planning, preparation of design reports and drawings, hydraulic modelling, surge studies, and water quality modelling. He has also delivered value engineering proposals, cost estimates, tender documentation, technical and financial tender evaluation reports, technical specifications, and presentations across various projects.
