Return Period Adjustment for Runoff Coefficients Based on Analysis in Undeveloped Texas Watersheds
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 6
Abstract
The rational method for peak discharge () estimation was introduced in the 1880s. The runoff coefficient () is a key parameter for the rational method that has an implicit meaning of rate proportionality, and the has been declared a function of the annual return period by various researchers. Rate-based runoff coefficients as a function of the return period, , were determined for 36 undeveloped watersheds in Texas using peak discharge frequency from previously published regional regression equations and rainfall intensity frequency for return periods of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years. The values and return period adjustments determined in this study are most applicable to undeveloped watersheds. The return period adjustments determined for the Texas watersheds in this study and those extracted from prior studies of non-Texas data exceed values from well-known literature such as design manuals and textbooks. Most importantly, the return period adjustments exceed values currently recognized in Texas Department of Transportation design guidance when .
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Acknowledgments
The authors thank TxDOT project director Mr. Chuck Stead, P.E., and project monitoring advisor members for their guidance and assistance. This study was partially supported by TxDOT Research Projects 0–6070, 0–4696, 0–4193, and 0–4194.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 6 • June 2013
Pages: 476 - 482
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 4, 2011
Accepted: Dec 12, 2012
Published online: Dec 14, 2012
Published in print: Jun 1, 2013
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