Use of the expedited methods of Chow-Gumbel and Bell for formulation of intense rain equations - a performance evaluation

Abstract

Adequate design of stormwater structures usually depends on peak runoff rates estimated with the aid of rainfall intensity-duration-frequency (i.d.f.) equations. Long and representative historical precipitation series, obtained by pluviographs, are needed for the estimation of i.d.f. equation parameters. However, in many regions there are no pluviographs in operation or continuous rain gauge records obtained by using this kind of equipment are much shorter and less reliable than those obtained by using manual rain gauge equipment. In this context, expeditious methods are needed for obtaining intensity‑duration-frequency equations from daily precipitation records. This study evaluates the performance of the Chow-Gumbel and Bell methods for the establishment of i.d.f. rainfall equations with usual conversion coefficients. The F test of variance, assuming a 95% significance level, was used to compare the empirical methods’ results with those obtained from pluviographic records. Available pluviographic and regular pluviometers data for stations located in Paraná, state in Brazil were considered. The results are equivalent for return periods greater than 10 years and for durations greater than 30 minutes.