Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
5-31-1985
Degree Name
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Eugene B. Golub
Second Advisor
Edward G. Dauenheimer
Abstract
To allow the safe and economical design of structures in flood plains of natural streams, techniques to estimate the magnitude and frequency of floods are established through multiple regression analysis for each state, relating flood peaks to topographic and climatic characteristics of the drainage basins. This study describes and compares the regional equations to assess peak flows for 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100-year recurrence intervals in different states of the U.S.A.
Publications from 40 continental states were reviewed and the regression equations analyzed on similarities and accuracy. Tables compare parameters, their frequency of occurence, and the constants and coefficients of the multiple regression analyses. Average standard errors were calculated for each equation type, return period and state.
One third of all areas used a regional equation containing only the drainage area as a significant parameter to describe peak discharge. The second most frequent parameter utilized is main channel slope. Mean annual precipitation and basin storage are the next most important factors. The standard error of estimate, a measure of accuracy of the regression equations, is lowest for the equations incorporating all four of the above variables. Streamflow can be more accurately described for humid regions of the United States than for the more arid Western and Central regions, and flows for medium recurrence intervals are better defined than those for very short or very long return periods.
Recommended Citation
Rogalla, Frank A., "Magnitude and frequency of floods : a comparison of regional methods in the United States" (1985). Theses. 3466.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3466
