An algorithm for derivation of design rainfall temporal patterns for short and long duration storms

Abstract

This paper presents a computer algorithm for derivation of design rainfall temporal patterns which are widely used in rainfall runoff modeling. The algorithm identifies design storms of durations of 10 minutes to 120 hours from continuous rainfall data and then applies Method of Average Variability to produce design rainfall temporal patterns following the procedures recommended in Australian Rainfall and Runoff – the national guide for design streamflow estimation in Australia. The algorithm has been tested using rainfall data from the Gold Coast region in Australia and has been found to produce satisfactory results. The algorithm would be useful in deriving design rainfall temporal patterns where such data are unavailable and to update existing design rainfall temporal patterns data in a region to capture recent trends in rainfall characteristics.