Citation

Sauer VB, Thomas Jr. WO, Stricker VA, Wilson KV. Transp. Res. Rec. 1982; 896: 30-33.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1982, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A nationwide study of flood magnitude and frequency in urban areas was made for the purpose of reviewing available literature, compiling an urban flood data base, and developing methods of estimating urban flood-flow characteristics in ungaged areas. The literature review contains synopses of 128 recent publications related to urban flood flow. A data base of 269 gaged basins in 56 cities and 31 states, including Hawaii, contains a wide variety of topographic and climatic characteristics, land use variables, indices of urbanization, and flood-frequency estimates. Regression equations were developed that provided unbiased estimates of urban flood discharges for ungaged sites for recurrence intervals of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 years. Of primary importance in these equations is an independent estimate of the equivalent rural discharge for the ungaged basin. The equations essentially adjust the equivalent rural discharge to an urban condition. The primary adjustment factor, or index of urbanization, is the basin development factor. This factor is a measure of the extent of development of the drainage system in the basin and includes evaluations of storm drains (sewers), channel improvements, and curb-and-gutter streets. It offers a simple and effective way of accounting for drainage development and runoff response in urban areas. Other parameters in the equations include size of drainage area, channel slope, rainfall intensity, lake and reservoir storage, impervious area, and basin lag time. (Author)

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1983/896/896-004.pdf

Language: en

Keywords

FLOODS; STATISTICAL METHODS; URBAN PLANNING