Abstract
This paper presents a review of relevant literature related to the vulnerability assessment and optimization in water distribution systems, aiming to identify the current quantification metrics applied for vulnerability and variables related, as well as the optimization models formulated for the design of WDS for counteracting the vulnerabilities of the system. The metrics for the quantification of vulnerability and related variables are classified in network and element-specific metrics. Multiple measures are identified in the literature and their features are analyzed. Optimization models formulated that consider factors related to vulnerability were reviewed and described. Among the factors that have been considered in the literature as relevant for vulnerability optimization, there are natural disasters, contamination, system failures, and climate change. Diverse methods have been applied to solve the proposed optimization problems, many of which are multi-objective formulations, therefore multi-objective evolutionary algorithms and genetic algorithms are among the most widely applied methods. The inclusion of hydraulic simulation has been employed as well, by means of tools as Epanet software. Some of the limitations of these models and future paths for research are discussed in the conclusions.