Urban water distribution networks: Which set correctly lists the four major system layouts commonly adopted?

Introduction / Context:
Water distribution systems are laid out to balance reliability, pressure management, and cost. Recognizing the standard configurations is essential for planning, hydraulic modeling, and fire-flow provision.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Conventional municipal networks (not including advanced district metered area strategies).
• Four canonical layouts considered.

Concept / Approach:

Standard references describe four principal patterns: tree (branched), grid iron (rectangular loops), ring (peripheral loop or circular), and radial (mains feeding from a central source to zones). Each has distinct headloss, redundancy, and serviceability characteristics, often used in combination across a city.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Design texts and codes illustrate example layouts and typical use cases, confirming these four as standard archetypes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Options with “reticulation” or overlapping synonyms misclassify patterns.
• “Circular” alone is ambiguous—“ring” (loop) is the intended canonical term.
• Invented sets like “zig-zag” are not recognized patterns.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing “dead end” with a distinct fifth pattern; it is simply the tree layout.
• Assuming one pattern suits an entire city; mixed layouts are common.

Final Answer:

tree, grid iron, ring and radial.