DyEHS: An Integrated Dynamo–EPANET–Harmony Search Framework for the Optimal Design of Water Distribution Networks

The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) with intelligent optimization techniques can significantly enhance the design efficiency of water distribution networks (WDNs). Despite this, the dynamic interoperability between BIM platforms and hydraulic simulation tools remains limited. This study introduces DyEHS (Dynamo–EPANET–Harmony Search), a novel workflow integrating Autodesk Civil 3D, EPANET, and Harmony Search via Dynamo, to address this gap. DyEHS enables the automated optimization of pipe diameters and network layouts, aiming to minimize capital costs while satisfying hydraulic constraints. In a real-world case study, DyEHS achieved about 15% reduction in the total pipe network costs compared to traditional uniform-diameter designs, while ensuring that all nodes maintained a minimum pressure of 25 m. This quantifiable improvement highlights the tool’s potential for practical engineering applications, offering a robust, adaptable, and fully integrated BIM-based solution for WDN design.