The Use of Geometric Programming in the Design of an Algerian Water Conveyance System

Algeria is presently involved in an ambitious program to help improve their agricultural self-sufficiency. Geometric programming (GP), an engineering optimization tool, has received increasing academic attention and has had numerous suggestions for its use proposed. However, few actual applications of GP have been documented. This article reports an application of this technique and the surprising, but effective, use of a simple sensitivity analysis. A conservatively estimated savings of $50 million in project costs is expected as a result of the use of GP in designing a 27-kilometer agricultural water conveyance system in Algeria.