Author(s)

V. Fortin & B. Bobee

Abstract

Formalization of the selection of statistical distributions process in flood frequency analysis V. Fortin & B. Bobee Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, INRS-Eau Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada, G1V 4C7 ABSTRACT In flood frequency analysis (FFA), the most difficult task is often to choose the appropriate statistical distribution. In some countries (United Kingdom, United States, Australia) specific distributions are strongly recommended (GEY, LP3). In Canada, no single distribution has been recommended. To help engineers select a distribution, we are currently devising an expert system which can deal with uncertain information and multiple criteria decisions. This system is based on an analysis of heuristics used by many experts, both engineers and statisticians. INTRODUCTION The objective of flood frequency analysis (FFA) is to estimate the maximum flood associated with a given return period. This is done by choosing a statistical distribution which ca

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