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Can the function of “ForceMain” in InfoWorks ICM be expanded so that ICM can model the water distribution network. Or the InfoWorks WS function be included in ICM. This is often a requirement when the recycled network and sewer network are to be modelled together. The current “ForceMain” is basically still for collection system and is not designed for the distribution system although it uses “pressurised flow engine” rather than “free surface flow engine” as discussed in the technical note. It is VERY difficult to model the water supply demand in ICM at moment and force main cannot handle the looped network which is common for the water distribution system. There is a real market need for this function.
Thank you for the suggestion regarding adding the capability to model water distribution networks in ICM. While it’s an interesting idea, this isn’t something we plan to support. It’s outside the current scope of ICM and sits low on our priority list compared with the work already committed on our roadmap.
Having said that, I expect that this will be enabled as a byproduct of some of our AI roadmap in the future. Therefore, we’ll keep the feedback recorded and get back to you if anything changes.
I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Just a niche note - the forcemain link in ICM is based on the force main link in SWMM5 which in turn is based on HW in EPANET. It is not the same as an EPANET network. You can convert some small EPANET models to SWMM5 which at least is trending in your question direction. I have a few example model that show this.