FSU Guidance Handbook

Flood Studies Update
FSU Guidance Handbook
Version 1.4
July 2014
CONTENTS
Contents .......................................................................................................................................... i
Figures........................................................................................................................................... iii
Tables ............................................................................................................................................ vi
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... vii
1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 1
1.1
Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................ 2
1.2
Licence ............................................................................................................................. 3
1.3
User Declaration............................................................................................................... 3
1.4
FSU Web Portal Contacts ................................................................................................ 4
Guidance Notes ...................................................................................................................... 1

2.1
FSU Programme............................................................................................................... 1
2.2
FSU Web-based Applications Portal................................................................................ 6
2.3
Data Types........................................................................................................................ 6
2.3.1
Annual Maxima Values ............................................................................................. 7
2.3.2
Median Annual Maximum (QMED) Values (Summary Statistics) .......................... 7
APPROPRIATE USE............................................................................................................ 8
3.1
General ............................................................................................................................. 8
3.2
Statements and Conditions of Use ................................................................................... 8
3.2.1
Statement Regarding Software Available from the FSU Web Portal........................ 8
3.2.2
Statement Regarding Third-Party Links.................................................................... 9
3.2.3
Statement of Copyright.............................................................................................. 9
3.2.4
Statement Regarding Collection of Personal Information - Privacy Policy.............. 9
3.2.5
Cookies .................................................................................................................... 10
FSU RAINFALL & FLOOD ESTIMATION APPLICATIONS .................................... 11

4.1
Rainfall Depth-Duration-Frequency Analysis ............................................................... 11
4.2
Flood Frequency Analysis.............................................................................................. 11
4.3
Hydrograph Width Analysis .......................................................................................... 13
4.4
IBIDEM.......................................................................................................................... 14
USING THE FSU WEB PORTAL..................................................................................... 16

5.1
Accessing the FSU Web Portal ...................................................................................... 16
5.2
Registering as a User...................................................................................................... 24

5.3
5.3.1
Data Download ........................................................................................................ 33
5.3.2
Documents & Software Download.......................................................................... 36
5.4
Rainfall & Flood Estimation Applications..................................................................... 36
5.5
Site Orientation Map ...................................................................................................... 41
RAINFALL DDF MODULE .............................................................................................. 45

6.1
The Download Application ............................................................................................ 33
Design Rainfall Depth.................................................................................................... 45
6.1.1
Selecting "Point"...................................................................................................... 46
6.1.2
Selecting "Catchment"............................................................................................. 50
6.2
Design Rainfall Frequency............................................................................................. 56
6.3
Design Storm Profile...................................................................................................... 58
FLOOD FREQUENCY MODULE.................................................................................... 60

7.1
Subject Site Selection..................................................................................................... 61
7.2
Pivotal Site Selection (Ungauged Subject Site) ............................................................. 65
7.3
QMED Estimation (Ungauged Subject Site) ................................................................. 74
7.4
Single-site Flood Frequency Analysis (Gauged Subject Site) ....................................... 76
7.5
Pooled Flood Frequency Analysis (Ungauged sites or insufficient record length)........ 80
7.6
Combined Analysis ........................................................................................................ 88
HYDROGRAPH WIDTH MODULE................................................................................ 91

8.1
Subject Site Selection..................................................................................................... 91
8.2
Hydrograph Pivotal Site ................................................................................................. 93
8.3
Hydrograph Display ....................................................................................................... 97
8.4
Hydrograph Inspection and Adjustment ........................................................................ 98
8.5
Characteristic Hydrograph Transfer............................................................................. 100
8.6
Flood Estimation Completion ...................................................................................... 102
IBIDEM MODULE ........................................................................................................... 104

9.1
Inputs............................................................................................................................ 104
9.2
Outputs ......................................................................................................................... 116
10 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 117
ii

FIGURES
Figure 5.1:
Figure 5.2:
Figure 5.3:
Figure 5.4:
Figure 5.5:
Figure 5.6:
Figure 5.7:
Figure 5.8:
Figure 5.9:
Figure 5.10:
Figure 5.11:
Figure 5.12:
Figure 5.13:
Figure 5.14:
Figure 5.15:
Figure 5.16:
Figure 5.17:
Figure 5.18:
Figure 5.19:
Figure 5.20:
Figure 5.21:
Figure 5.22:
Figure 5.23:
Figure 5.24:
Figure 5.25:
Figure 5.26:
Figure 5.27:
Figure 5.28:
Figure 5.29:
Figure 5.30:
Figure 5.31:
Figure 5.32:
Figure 5.33:
Figure 5.34:
Figure 5.35:
Figure 5.36:
Figure 5.37:
Figure 5.38:
Figure 6.1:
Figure 6.2:
Figure 6.3:
Figure 6.4:
FSU Web Portal Home Page ..............................................................................17

Irish Language Home Page.................................................................................17
Typical News Page .............................................................................................18
Typical Documents Page ....................................................................................19
Contact Page .......................................................................................................20
FAQ Page ...........................................................................................................20
System requirements Page..................................................................................21
Getting Started Page ...........................................................................................22
FSU Background ................................................................................................22
Feedback Page................................................................................................23
Publications and Papers..................................................................................23
FSU Web Portal Helpdesk .............................................................................24
FSU Web Portal Home Page - Registration ...................................................25
User Registration Window .............................................................................25
Confirmation of Receipt of Registration Information....................................26
Disclaimer Screen ..........................................................................................27
FSU Web Portal Applications Page ............................................................27
FSU Web Portal Home Page, Registered User ...........................................28
User Account Management Login .................................................................28
Account Management Application Screen.....................................................29
FSU User Forum Home Page.........................................................................29
Error Message Displayed if a User Tries to Create a Forum Topic...............30
User Forum Topic ..........................................................................................31
Forum Discussion Window............................................................................32
Discussion Dialogue Box ...............................................................................32
Download Application Page...........................................................................33
New Data Download Request ........................................................................34
Completed Data Download Request ..............................................................35
Popup Showing Metadata for Download .......................................................35
Documents & Software Download ................................................................36
Rainfall and Flood Estimation Applications Home Screen ...........................37
Create New Session Pop-up ...........................................................................38
Load Session Dialogue...................................................................................39
Reporting Dialogue Box.................................................................................40
Typical OSG Pop-up Window .......................................................................41
Rainfall DDF Module showing the SOM ......................................................42
Layer Selection in SOM.................................................................................43
Background Mapping Options .......................................................................44
Design Rainfall Depth Calculation.....................................................................46
Zoomed In Point Selection .................................................................................47
Display of Grid Points at Minimum Zoom Level...............................................47
Rainfall DDF Window with Subject Site Selected.............................................48
iii

Figure 6.5:
Figure 6.6:
Figure 6.7:
Figure 6.8:
Figure 6.9:
Figure 6.10:
Figure 6.11:
Figure 6.12:
Figure 6.13:
Figure 6.14:
Figure 6.15:
Figure 6.16:
Figure 6.17:
Figure 6.18:
Figure 7.1:
Figure 7.2:
Figure 7.3:
Figure 7.4:
Figure 7.5:
Figure 7.6:
Figure 7.7:
Figure 7.8:
Figure 7.9:
Figure 7.10:
Figure 7.11:
Figure 7.12:
Figure 7.13:
Figure 7.14:
Figure 7.15:
Figure 7.16:
Figure 7.17:
Figure 7.18:
Figure 7.19:
Figure 7.20:
Figure 7.21:
Figure 7.22:
Figure 7.23:
Figure 7.24:
Figure 7.25:
Figure 7.26:
Figure 7.27:
Figure 7.28:
Figure 7.29:
Figure 7.30:
Calculation Results - Point .................................................................................49

Final Screen of Rainfall DDF Calculation for a Point........................................50
Gauged Catchments ............................................................................................51
Ungauged Catchment Node Selection Screen ....................................................51
Overlapping Gauged Catchments .......................................................................52
Gauged Catchment Selected...........................................................................52
Small Ungauged Catchment Selected ............................................................53
Large Ungauged Catchment Selected ............................................................54
Results of Typical Catchment Calculation.....................................................55
Final Screen of Rainfall DDF Calculation for a Typical Catchment .............56
Design Rainfall Frequency Input Page...........................................................57
Results of Rainfall Frequency Analysis .........................................................57
Input Screen for Rainfall Profile Generation .................................................58
Output of Rainfall Profile Calculation ...........................................................59
Flood Frequencies Module Base Window..........................................................60
Typical Metadata for Gauging Station ...............................................................61
AMAX Data for Gauged Site .............................................................................62
Subject Site Selected for Flood Frequency Analysis (Gauged Location) ..........63
Subject Site Selected for Flood Frequency Analysis (Ungauged Location) ......64
Subject Site Confirmation Pop-up ......................................................................64
Warning Message for Small Catchments ...........................................................65
Pivotal Site Selection Screen ..............................................................................66
Popup for Subject Sites with no FSU Sites Upstream or Downstream ..............67
Pivotal Site Selection Geographically Closest ............................................67
Pivotal Site Selection Hydrologically Closest ............................................68
Confirmation of Pivotal Site Selection ..........................................................69
Example of Screen Displayed for a Rejected Pivotal Site .............................70
Array of Catchment Attribute Thumbnails ....................................................71
Typical Single CAT Thumbnail.....................................................................71
Screen Showing PCDs for Pivotal Site ..........................................................72
Screen Showing AMAX Series for Pivotal Site.............................................73
Non-FSU AMAX Series Upload....................................................................74
Initial QMED Estimation Window ................................................................75
QMED Data Transfer Configuration Window...............................................75
Confirmation of Acceptance of QMED Estimation.......................................76
QMED Estimation for Gauged Location .......................................................77
Single-site Flood Frequency Analysis Input Window ...................................78
Flood Frequency Diagram..............................................................................79
Error Message for AMAX Length < Required Return Period .......................79
Pooled Frequency Analysis Home Page (Ungauged Location) .....................81
Return Period Entry for Pooled Analysis.......................................................82
Warning Where Return Period is Less Than AMAX Length ........................82
Selection of Pooling Scheme .........................................................................83
Typical Table of Pooled Stations ...................................................................84
iv

Figure 7.31:
Figure 7.32:
Figure 7.33:
Figure 7.34:
Figure 7.35:
Figure 7.36:
Figure 7.37:
Figure 7.38:
Figure 8.1:
Figure 8.2:
Figure 8.3:
Figure 8.4:
Figure 8.5:
Figure 8.6:
Figure 8.7:
Figure 8.8:
Figure 8.9:
Figure 8.10:
Figure 8.11:
Figure 8.12:
Figure 8.13:
Figure 8.14:
Figure 8.15:
Figure 8.16:
Figure 9.1:
Figure 9.2:
Figure 9.3:
Figure 9.4:
Figure 9.5:
Figure 9.6:
Figure 9.7:
Figure 9.8:
Figure 9.9:
Figure 9.10:
Figure 9.11:
Figure 9.12:
Figure 9.13:
CATs for Subject Site and FSU Station in Pooling Group ............................85
Filtered Display of CATs ...............................................................................86
Results of Pooling Analysis ...........................................................................87
Pooling Group Summary................................................................................87
Individual Station Review..............................................................................88
Combined Analysis Home Page.....................................................................89
Presentation of Combined Results .................................................................90
Confirmation Screen at End of Flood Frequency Analysis............................90
Subject Site Selection Hydrograph Width Analysis........................................91
HWA Upload Window .......................................................................................92
Hydrograph Upload Window .............................................................................93
Selection of Hydrograph Pivotal Site .................................................................94
Hydrograph Shape Viewer (1)............................................................................95
Hydrograph Shape Viewer (2)............................................................................95
Hydrograph Shape Acceptance Screen...............................................................96
Hydrograph Display Home Page.....................................................................97
Hydrograph Display Page...................................................................................98
Hydrograph Inspection & Adjustment Homepage.........................................99
Hydrograph Shapes for Pivotal Site...............................................................99
Characteristic Hydrograph Transfer Window ..............................................101
Characteristic Hydrograph Transfer.............................................................101
Flood Estimation Completion Home Window..........................................102
Results of Hydrograph Width Analysis .......................................................103
Final Screen of Hydrograph Width Analysis Module..................................103
IBIDEM Input Page Direct Access ...............................................................105
IBIDEM Input Page Redirected Access ........................................................105
Compare Hydrographs Screen..........................................................................108
Compare Hydrographs Screen for Multiple Hydrographs ...............................109
Alternate Compare Hydrographs View ............................................................109
IBIDEM Results Table .....................................................................................110
Sensitivity Options for Hydrograph Generation...............................................111
Input Screen for Sensitivity to Duration...........................................................112
Sensitivity to Duration Output..........................................................................113
Input Screen for Sensitivity to Urbanisation ................................................114
Sensitivity to Urbanisation Output...............................................................114
Input Screen for Sensitivity to Model Parameters .......................................115
Sensitivity to Model Parameters Output ......................................................116
TABLES
Table 2-1:
Table 2-2:
Constituent Work Packages within the FSU Research and Development ...........4
Titles of the Research Reports relating to each Work Package............................5
vi
GLOSSARY
[Note: All items contained in the Glossary are shown in italics where they first appear in the
body text of this FSU Guidance Handbook]
Term
Abbreviation
/Symbol
5T Rule
7T Rule
Adjustment Factor
ADJFAC
Annual Exceedance
Probability
AEP
Annual Maximum
Flow Series
AMAX
Areal Reduction
Factor(s)
ARF
Audit Trail Report
ATR
Auxiliary Station
Blueline River
Network
Candidate Station(s)
Catchment attribute
thumbnail
CAT
Description
The 5T rule is a rule of thumb for determining the number of
station-years of flood data to pool when seeking to estimate the Tyear flood growth factor.
The 7T rule is a rule of thumb for determining the number of
station-years of flood data to include as auxiliary stations when
seeking to estimate the T-year flood growth factor.
The adjustment factor is the ratio of the gauged estimate of a
variable to the physical catchment descriptor estimate. Thus, the
adjustment factor for QMED is: ADJFAC = QMEDg / QMEDpcd
where g denotes the estimate from gauged data and pcd the
estimate from physical catchment descriptors.
The annual exceedance probability is the probability of
experiencing a larger flood (than the flood being considered) in any
year. The AEP indicates the general long-term probability of such a
flood, and disregards any climate change effect. When defined as a
true probability, the AEP is the reciprocal of the return period in
years, i.e. AEP = 1/T. There are two caveats. The return period here
is measured on the annual maximum scale (see return period).
Second, it has become customary to express the AEP as a
percentage, in which case: AEP = 100/T %.
The annual maximum (AMAX) flow series is the set of flood data
comprising the largest value observed in each water year. There is
one annual maximum for each (water) year of record.
An areal reduction factor (ARF) is a value which can be applied to
a point rainfall of a specified duration and return period to give the
areal rainfall of the same duration and return period.
The Audit Trail Report records all significant decisions made in a
session, particularly those occasions where a User has elected to
override suggestions made by the System (the reason given by the
User for overriding the System is then recorded).
Additional FSU stations that are hydrologically similar to the
subject catchment that can be used to supplement the pooling group
if any of the pooled stations is rejected to maintain the 5T rule.
The blueline river network is a vector layer provided by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that contains a
debugged map of the river network in Ireland. Rivers have been
assigned flow directions, and gaps in the original river network
mapping have been filled.
The candidate station is the FSU station currently being considered
to play the role of pivotal site in a flood estimation calculation.
Catchment attribute thumbnails are histogram type plots of a
selection of the physical catchment descriptors for all the FSU
stations within which the catchment descriptors for the subject site
are highlighted. The catchment descriptors for the candidate station
are also shown in the plots. They are used to give an indication of
how similar the candidate station is to the subject site.
vii
Characteristic
Hydrograph
Confidence Interval
Data Transfer
Deformation Factor
Depth-DurationFrequency (Rainfall)
DDF
Design Event Method
DEM
Design Inputs
Discretisation Effects
Euclidean Distance
Dij
Flood Estimation
Report
Flood Frequency
Analysis
Flood Frequency
Diagram/Curve
Flood Growth Curve
Flood Studies Report
FSR
A characteristic hydrograph (in the FSU context) is the single

representative semi-dimensionless hydrograph for a given gauged
location that is constructed using the median width of a set of
measured hydrographs at specific percentiles of the measured peak
flow.
A term used in inferential statistics to express the degree of
uncertainty that measures the probability that a value will fall
between an upper and lower bound of a probability distribution.
For example, given a 99% confidence interval, a Q100 flow will
occur between -6.7% and +8.3% over the next year.
Estimates of hydrological variables made from generalised models
based on physical catchment descriptors tend to be much less
certain than estimates made from gauged data. A data transfer
exploits this by looking at the performance of the generalised
model at a nearby gauging station. The technique assumes that the
model error at the gauged location is indicative (wholly or partly)
of the model error to be expected at the subject site, and makes an
adjustment accordingly (see adjustment factor).
The hydrograph estimation procedure adjusts the estimate of the
hydrograph at the subject site by a data transfer. The adjustment
amounts to stretching/compressing the hydrograph in time. In this
case, the adjustment factor is referred to as a deformation factor.
A term used to describe rainfall depth as a function of duration for
given return periods which are important for the design of
hydraulic structures.
An approach that uses a rainfall-run-off model to transform a
design rainfall into the required design flood, e.g. a hydrograph
with the desired 100-year flood peak.
Physical and performance requirements of the System that are used
as a basis for design flood estimation.
Discretisation effects on rainfall are caused by varying the period
within which a rainfall event is measured.
A measure of hydrological similarity. As a rule-of-thumb a value
<1.0 indicates High similarity, and a value >2.0 indicates Low
similarity, however this may vary depending on the characteristics
of the subject catchment.
The final output report of all decisions made and results of
calculations used during the flood estimation procedure. This is
generated by the System using information recorded in the audit
trail report.
A process to determine the number of times a flood above a given
flow or flood level is likely to occur over a given number of years.
A flood frequency diagram shows the relationship between flood
magnitude and flood frequency
The flood growth curve represents the relationship (often presented
as a plot) between the flood growth factor and return period (or
AEP).
A comprehensive report prepared in the early 1970s by
organisations in Ireland and the UK to provide methodologies for
flood estimation in Great Britain and Ireland. In the UK, the Flood
Estimation Handbook (FEH) (Institute of Hydrology, 1999) has
superseded the FSR as the best practice method for estimating peak
flood flows from flood data. In Ireland it is proposed that the Flood
Studies Update (FSU) will similarly replace the FSR as the primary
tool for hydrological estimation.
viii
Flood Studies Update
FSU
FSU Guidance
Handbook
FGH
FSU Station(s)
Gauged Catchment(s)
Gauged Location(s)
Gauging Station(s)
(Flood) Growth
Factor
Hydrograph
Hydrograph Pivotal
Site
Hydrograph Width
Analysis
HWA
Hydrometric Area
IBIDEM
Index Flood
L-Moments (Lmoment Ratio)
Non-FSU Stations
QMED
The Flood Studies Update (FSU) Programme was a programme of

research and development, undertaken by the Office of Public
Works (OPW), to provide improved methods of extreme rainfall
and flood estimation at both gauged locations and ungauged
locations in the Republic of Ireland. It represents a substantial
update of a programme of study called the Flood Studies Report
(FSR) and should now be recognised as best practice for estimating
peak flood flows from flood data in Ireland. The OPW is making
the output from the FSU Programme available as a free-to-use webbased rainfall and flood estimation tool.
The Flood Studies Update Guidance Handbook is effectively the
Users manual for the FSU System. It will be the how to guide
for the FSU Web Applications Portal.
The term FSU station refers to flow gauging stations that were used
for the analysis in the research for the FSU methodologies. The
annual maximum (AMAX) series data from these gauging stations
have been given a rating quality classification, and are the primary
gauging stations used for flood estimation in the FSU Web
Applications Portal.
The area of land that drains to the gauge at a gauged location.
See gauging station
A gauging station is a location designed to gauge river flow.
Usually the variable monitored is water level, from which river
flow is estimated (e.g. from knowledge of the channel cross-section
and occasional direct measurement of river flows).
The growth factor is the ratio of an extreme magnitude event to an
index event, e.g. the 100- year flood growth factor is the ratio of the
100- year flood to the Index Flood (QMED).
A continuous graph showing the variation in time of hydrological
data such as flood level, flow, velocity, sediment load, etc.
(hydrographs are mostly used for water level or flow).
The hydrograph pivotal site is the FSU station that is most relevant
to a particular flood hydrograph width estimation. This is not to be
confused with the pivotal site that is used for the estimation of
QMED.
A process to determine the shape or width of a graph showing the
variation in time of hydrological data such as flood level, sediment
load, etc. (hydrographs are mostly used for water level or flow).
A region of land (both surface and sub-surface) drained by a major
river and its tributaries.
Interactive Bridge Invoking the Design Event Method.
The index flood is a flood of typical size. In the FSU, the index
flood is the median of floods in the annual maximum (AMAX)
series for a given location, and is labelled QMED.
L-Moments are statistics used to summarize the shape of a
probability distribution through which the characteristics of data at
a gauged location can be described. They are analogous to
conventional moments in that they can be used to calculate
parameters analogous to variance, skewness and kurtosis, termed
the L-Variance, L-Skewness and L-Kurtosis respectively.
Standardized L-Moments are called L-Moment ratios and these are
analogous to standardized moments.
Gauging stations which were removed from the study list due to
poor rating, short record length and overall unsatisfactory data
quality.
ix
On-screen Stepwise
Guidance
OSG
Physical Catchment
Descriptor
PCD
Pivotal site
Pooled Stations
Pooling Group
Pooling Scheme
Rainfall-Runoff
Method
Rating Curve
Recession Parameter
Research Report(s)
RR
Return Period
Shape Parameter
Single-site Flood
Frequency Analysis
The On-screen Stepwise Guidance provides the User with easy

online access to guidance on how to perform calculations at each
stage of the rainfall/flood estimation process
A physical catchment descriptor summarises a particular facet of a
catchment. For example, drainage area (AREA) summarises
catchment size and average-annual rainfall (SAAR) summarises the
relative wetness of its climate. PCDs are also referred to as
catchment descriptors, catchment attributes or catchment
characteristics.
A pivotal site is the FSU station that is most relevant to a particular
flood estimation calculation. Ideally, it will lie a short distance
upstream or downstream from the subject site.
A selected list of gauged locations constructed by seeking gauged
locations that are nearest to the subject site by catchment centroid
(geographically) or that are ranked with similarity ranking in sizewetness-permeability characteristics.
A group of hydrologically similar catchments used to expand the
time series of available records for use in a pooled flood frequency
analysis. Hydrological similarity is defined in terms of Euclidean
distance based on size-wetness-permeability.
It is often necessary to combine data from a number of sites in
order to estimate the flood growth curve out to long return periods.
A Pooling Scheme is a particular way of selecting which gauging
stations to pool in a particular application.
The Rainfall-Runoff method uses rainfall as input and calculates
losses due to infiltration and evaporation in order to calculate the
percentage of rainfall that is converted into runoff to rivers.
A graph showing the relationship between the gauged water level,
usually plotted vertically (Y-axis) and the discharge, usually
plotted horizontally (X-axis).
The recession parameter for the exponential recession curve (in
hours) that defines the shape of the recession limb of the
hydrograph developed during the Hydrograph Width Analysis
beyond the point of inflection on the receding limb (i.e. beyond
t=Tr/(n-1)1/2.)
Each Work Package within the FSU research programme produces
a final report on the findings and outcomes of the research.
Collectively, these reports are known as the Research Reports.
The return period of a flood is a measure of its expected frequency
of exceedance. When working from the annual maximum (AMAX)
series, return period is defined as the average interval between
years containing one or more floods greater than the flood of
interest. The return period in years is the reciprocal of the annual
exceedance probability. Thus, T=1/AEP or T=100/AEP when AEP
is expressed as a percentage. Flood estimation procedures typically
allow the User to estimate flood peaks for a range of return periods.
The target return period is defined as the return period of principal
interest in the study.
The shape parameter of the Gamma hydrograph that defines the
shape of the rising limb and peak of the hydrograph developed
during the Hydrograph Width Analysis.
A single-site flood frequency analysis is a statistical analysis of
flood data for a particular gauged location. It is sometimes known
as a single-site analysis.
Site Orientation Map
SOM
Subject Site
Technical Research
Report(s)
TRR
Translation
Parameter
Tr
Ungauged
Location(s)
Ungauged
Catchment(s)
Urban Adjustment
Factor
User(s)
The Site Orientation Map is a key component of the rainfall and

flood frequency estimation tools included as components of the
FSU Web Portal. This interface provides the means by which Users
of the FSU Web Portal can select geographic locations for
undertaking both rainfall and flow estimation using the FSU
methodologies.
The subject site is the site (or principal site) at which a rainfall or
flood estimate is required. Subject sites seldom correspond to
gauging stations.
A series of 6 Volumes containing the output reports from each
Work Package within the FSU research programme. Collectively,
these reports are known as the Technical Research Reports.
The translation or location parameter of the Gamma hydrograph (in
hours) which is equivalent to the rise time of the Hydrograph
developed during the Hydrograph Width Analysis.
A site where no water level or flow measurements exist.
The area of land that drains to the node at an ungauged location.
UAF
The Urban Adjustment Factor (UAF) is a factor that describes the

proportional increase in QMED induced by urbanisation of a
catchment. The UAF increases with urban extent to a maximum of
2.793 when a catchment is fully urbanised and decreases to unity as
the urban extent tends towards zero i.e. a fully rural catchment.
Within the FSU Web Portal a default UAF of 1.482 is applied in
the calculation of QMED in all cases unless overridden by the
User.
The practitioner who has registered with the FSU Web Portal and
uses the FSU Web Portal to carry out a flood or extreme rainfall
estimation.
xi
1 INTRODUCTION
Please carefully read the disclaimer (Section 1.1), guidance notes (Section 2) , statements,
conditions of use (Section 3.2) and User declaration (Section 1.3), (henceforth collectively
referred to as the terms and conditions) to avoid incorrect interpretation of the information,
methodologies and data provided on the Flood Studies Update (FSU) Web-based
Applications Portal (henceforth referred to as the FSU Web Portal). The FSU Web Portal
must be used only in conjunction with the terms and conditions and must not be used in
isolation.
Users should take account of the restrictions and limitations relating to the content and use of
the FSU Web Portal that are explained in the following sections of this document. It is a
condition of use of the FSU Web Portal that you read carefully and accept these terms and
conditions.
The FSU Web Portal has been developed for use by competent hydrologists and
meteorologists who are familiar with hydrological and meteorological techniques. Whilst the
FSU methodologies are preferred for use in Ireland, the Commissioners of Public Works in
Ireland (henceforth referred to as the Commissioners) have not approved any instruction that
their use be made mandatory for particular applications.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the FSU Web Portal is functioning to the
highest standards and is fit for its intended purpose it is probable that there will be bugs or
deficiencies with the Portal that were not detected during the very comprehensive alpha and
beta testing stages of development. For this reason the Office of Public Works (OPW) will
undertake an evaluation following the first six months after the launch of the FSU Web Portal
to confirm that it is functioning as intended and expected. In this regard if you believe that
any information, methodology, tools or data available on the FSU Web Portal may be
materially inaccurate or misleading in any respect please send full details to the OPW by
using the email address provided in Section 1.4 below or alternatively by using the 'helpdesk'
link on the home page. You should also use this email address if you wish to contribute any
flood event data or if you wish to otherwise comment on the general performance of the FSU
Web Portal or your experiences of using it which might be helpful in identifying future
improvements or upgrades of the Portal.
For a definition of technical terms referred to in this FSU Guidance Handbook refer to the
glossary at the start of the document. Users of the FSU Web Portal should also note that
Google Chrome Version 34.0.1847.116m and Mozilla Firefox ESR 10.0.4 are currently the
preferred browsers to be used.
1.1 Disclaimer
The Commissioners make no representations, warranties or undertakings about any of the
information provided on the FSU Web Portal including, without limitation, their accuracy,
completeness or quality or fitness for any particular purpose.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, neither the State, the Commissioners nor
any of its members, officers, associates, consultants, employees, affiliates, servants, agents or
other representatives shall be liable for loss or damage arising out of, or in connection with,
the use of, or the inability to use, the information provided in the FSU Web Portal including,
but not limited to, indirect or consequential loss or damages, loss of data, income, profit, or
opportunity, loss of, or damage to, property and claims of third parties, even if the
Commissioners has been advised of the possibility of such loss or damages, or such loss or
damages were reasonably foreseeable.
The Commissioners reserve the right to change the content and/or presentation of any of the
information provided on the FSU Web Portal at their sole discretion, including these terms
and conditions.
All information, methodologies, tools, documents and data available on the FSU Web Portal
is provided on a best efforts basis - the Commissioners will endeavour to maintain data
availability, but do not guarantee continuity of services. It is the responsibility of the User to
ensure that the information, methodologies, tools, documents and data, if used, are accurate
and fit for purpose and are independently verified and quality controlled.
The Commissioners do not accept responsibility for the use of any information,
methodologies, tools, documents or data available on the FSU Web Portal either downloaded,
read or interpreted or used in any way by the User, or that which is passed to a third party,
and do not accept liability for any damage or loss howsoever arising out of the use or
interpretation of this information, methodologies, tools or data.
The Commissioners reserve the right to reprocess the information, methodologies, tools,
documents and data in the FSU Web Portal as they deem necessary.
The Commissioners do not represent or warrant that the functions contained in the FSU Web
Portal will be uninterrupted or error-free, that any defects will be corrected, or that this FSU
Web Portal or the server that makes it available are free of viruses or other harmful
components. Neither do they make any warranties or representations regarding the
correctness, accuracy, adequacy, usefulness, timeliness, reliability or otherwise of the
information, methodologies, tools, documents or data on the FSU Web Portal.
The Commissioners shall not be liable or responsible for the performance of a structure, the
design of which is based upon the output of the FSU Web Portal nor shall they be liable or
responsible for inaccuracies in the output resulting from any use of the methodologies,
information, tools, documents or data provided on the FSU Web Portal.

The Commissioners accept no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage suffered by the
User of the methodologies, information, tools, documents or data provided on the FSU Web
Portal or for any damage suffered by any third parties as a result of errors or inaccuracies in
these methodologies, information, tools, documents or data or their respective outputs.
1.2 Licence
The information, methodologies, tools, documents and data available on the FSU Web Portal
together with the outputs from downloadable software are made available under PSI General
Licence No.: 2005/08/01 or any updated licence, see http://psi.gov.ie/files/2010/03/PSILicence.pdf
For the avoidance of doubt, downloadable software that is provided in a complied binary
format remains copyright of the Commissioners or that of our licensors (in the case of preexisting components of the Portal which were the prior property of our licensors) and is
subject to a separate Software Licence Agreement.
1.3 User Declaration

On first registration with the FSU Web Portal you will be asked to confirm that you have read
in full, understand and accept all of the terms and conditions concerning the source, reliability
and use of the information, methodologies, tools and data available on the FSU Web Portal.
By accepting this declaration you agree;
That the Commissioners have the absolute right to reprocess, revise, add to, or remove any
data available on this FSU Web Portal as they deem necessary, and that you will in no way
hold them liable for any damage or cost incurred as a result of such acts.
That you will use any data available on the FSU Web Portal in an appropriate and responsible
manner and in accordance with the above terms and conditions.
That you understand that the Commissioners do not guarantee the accuracy of any
information, methodology, tools, documents or data available on the FSU Web Portal, or any
site to which these pages connect and it is your responsibility to independently verify and
quality control any of the information, methodology, tools, documents or data used and
ensure that it is fit for use and purpose.
That you further understand that the Commissioners shall have no liability to you for any loss
or damage arising as a result of your use of or reliance on the FSU Web Portal.
That you will not pass on any information, methodology, tools, documents or data used from
the FSU Web Portal to any third party without ensuring that said party is fully aware of these
terms and conditions.

That you accept all responsibility for the use of any information, methodology, tools,
documents or data available on the FSU Web Portal that is downloaded, read or interpreted or
used in any way by you, or that which is passed to a third party by you, and will in no way
hold the Commissioners, its servants or agents liable for any damage or loss howsoever
arising out of the use or interpretation of this information, methodology, tools, documents or
data.
1.4 FSU Web Portal Contacts

Any User who has reason to believe that this FSU Web Portal may contain an error, or who
wishes to contribute additional information, is requested to contact the FSU Helpdesk Team
at the following address:
FSU Helpdesk Team
Engineering Services
Office of Public Works
Jonathan Swift Street
Trim,
Co. Meath
Ireland
email: fsuhelpdesk@opw.ie
2 Guidance Notes
2.1 FSU Programme
The FSU Programme is a research and development programme undertaken by the OPW, to
provide improved methods of extreme rainfall and flood estimation at both gauged and
ungauged locations in the Republic of Ireland. It is a substantial update of a prior programme
of study called the Flood Studies Report (FSR) (NERC, 1975), which was undertaken in the
early 1970s by organisations in Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK) to provide
methodologies for flood estimation in Great Britain and Ireland. In the UK, the Flood
Estimation Handbook (FEH) (Institute of Hydrology, 1999) has superseded the FSR as the
main method of extreme rainfall and flow estimation.
The FSU is being made available as a free-to-use web-based rainfall and flood estimation
tool. Its use will be of practical importance in the areas of flood risk management, flood
mapping, and flood relief design work in the Republic of Ireland. It will be used by the
OPW, Local Authorities, and private sector practitioners and will be continually applied and
referred to by professionals working in the area of flood risk assessment and management in
Ireland.
The research work to develop improved methodologies for rainfall and flood estimation in
Ireland is complete. This work was broken up into a series of themed Work Groups (WGs)
and these were further sub-divided into Work Packages (WPs) as shown in Table 2-1 below.
The various FSU methodologies that are implemented in the FSU Web Portal are shaded in
green in Table 2-1, while the Work Packages relating to data outputs that are used by the FSU
Web Portal are shaded in blue. Work Packages that are not highlighted do not form part of
this application.
Work Group 1 - Meteorological Analysis

WP1.1
Meteorological Data Preparation
Extraction and preparation of quality-controlled annual maximum (AMAX) series
of rainfall depths for a range of durations for use in WP1.2. The output from this
Work Package was a set of quality controlled rainfall data prepared in WP 1.2
WP1.2
Rainfall Depth-Duration-Frequency Analysis
Definition and development of procedures for estimating rainfall depth-durationfrequency such that Users could determine rainfall depths for any specified
location, duration and frequency. The output from this Work Package was a set of
rainfall depth maps on an interpolated 2km square grid for a range of durations
and return periods, and a .csv file containing this data in tabular form. These
maps and tables were produced using the rainfall DDF software developed by
Met ireann.
Work Group 2 - Hydrological Analysis
WP2.1
Hydrological Data Preparation
Review/extraction and preparation of river level and flow data for use in WG2,
and other parts of the FSU Work-Programme. The output from this Work Package
was a quality controlled set of annual maximum (AMAX) series for each gauged
location used in the FSU research.
WP2.2
Flood Frequency Analysis
Definition and development of methods of flood frequency analysis for use at
gauged locations, and methods of pooled flood growth curve derivation for use at
gauged and ungauged locations. The output from this Work Package was a final
report detailing the proposed methodologies for flood frequency analysis.
WP2.3
Determination of the Index Flood (QMED) at Ungauged Locations
Determination of an index flood (QMED) and derivation of a method for its
estimation at ungauged locations. The output from this Work Package was a set of
equations and methodologies for calculating QMED at ungauged locations.
Work Group 3 - Flood Hydrograph Analysis
WP3.1
Hydrograph Width Analysis
Analysis of hydrograph shapes at gauged locations (FSU Stations) and subsequent
analysis of relationships of width parameters to physical catchment descriptors to
enable hydrograph generation at ungauged locations. The outputs from this Work
Package were (i) software for analysis of hydrograph widths (HWA) at gauged
locations and (ii) methodologies for synthesising hydrographs at ungauged
locations.
WP3.2
Flood Event Analysis
Rainfall-runoff analysis applied to a number of flood events in selected
catchments to illustrate the flood behaviour of Irish catchments. The output from
this Work Package was a report detailing typical catchment flood behaviour for a
range of Irish catchment types.
WP3.3
Floodplain Attenuation Analysis
Analysis of impacts of floodplain storage on gauged index floods and frequency
distributions, with subsequent case study analysis of relationships of floodplain
attenuation parameters with catchment descriptors to explore generalised
provision for floodplain storage effects. The output from this Work Package was
an analysis of floodplain storage on river flows, and case studies to assess
methodologies for indexing this effect.
2

WP3.4
FSU Guidance on Inputs to River Basin Modelling

Development of a methodology for choosing design inputs to hydraulic river
models in a systematic manner that reflects the configuration of the river basin,
the typology of its sub-catchments, and the layout of the flow gauging network.
This involved the analysis of pairwise inter-site dependence in flooding, in order
to generalise a model based on pairwise catchment descriptors (descriptors which
summarise a particular pair of catchments). The output from this Work Package
was a set of guidelines for subdividing river models into reaches and choosing
hydrological design inputs to river models, such that conditions in the river reach
correspond to the intended flood probability.
WP3.5
Interactive Bridge Invoking the Design Event Method (IBIDEM)
The FSU is not updating the FSR Design Event Method (i.e. the Rainfall-runoff
Method). IBIDEM is therefore a method of comparing the flood hydrographs
produced under WP 3.1 of the FSU with those that would be produced by the FSR
rainfall-runoff method. The output from this Work Package was a web-based tool
for the estimation of FSR parameters based on the design hydrograph shapes
produced by FSU methods.
Work Group 4 - Urban Catchment Flood Analysis
WP4.1
Scoping Study of Urban Flood Issues
A review of the methods of flood estimation in urbanised catchments currently in
use in Ireland. The output from this Work Package was a report that details the
various methods currently used for flood estimation in urban catchments, and
gives recommendations on ways to progress towards a unified approach in
Ireland.
WP4.2
Flood Estimation for Urbanised and Small Catchments
This Work Package involved evaluating existing methods of estimating flood
runoff in small or urbanised/urbanising catchments in Ireland. It was not intended
to produce a new method of flood estimation, but to give best-practice guidance
on which existing method to use and integration with guidance on Sustainable
Drainage Systems (SuDS) practices in the Irish context. It shall also detail
proposals for how best to progress a new method for urban flood estimation, to be
undertaken in further work outside the scope of this Work Package. The output
from this Work Package was a best practice guidance report on the most suitable
flood estimation techniques for urbanised and small catchments.
WP4.3
Effects of Urbanisation at Catchment Scale
This research involved evaluating the impacts of progressive urbanisation at
catchment scale through comparative analysis of time-series of recorded flow
values with time-series of simulated (rainfall-runoff) flows, using results from
three appropriate case studies, qualitatively assessing the degree of urbanisation at
various points in time, and providing detailed discussion of the results and their
relevance in terms of urbanisation at catchment scale. The output from this Work
Package was a final report that presents the findings of the research, and gives
recommendations on how to quantify the effects of urbanisation in flow
estimation.
Work Group 5 - Development of Information Systems
WP5.1
Scoping Study of Information Systems
Identification of availability of digital spatial datasets and requirements. The
output of this Work Package was a series of raw datasets that are to be used in
other Work Packages within Work Group 5.
3

WP5.2
Base Flow Index from Soils Data (BFIsoil) Physical Catchment Descriptor
The Base Flow Index (BFI) is a useful indicator of flow regime at the catchment
scale. It is a physical catchment descriptor, and although simple, it has proved a
useful summary of hydrological behaviour both in studies of gauged catchments
where BFI can be estimated from daily mean flow data and in the generalisation
of methods for use at ungauged locations. The outputs from this Work Package
were (i) a method for calculating BFI at ungauged nodes based on soils data
(BFIsoil), and (ii) the resulting dataset of BFIsoil values for all ungauged
locations in Ireland.
WP5.3
Preparation of Physical Catchment Descriptors
This Work Package developed up to 30 physical catchment descriptors for 216
gauged locations, and approximately 134,000 ungauged locations. Thereafter
catchment boundaries for all these gauged and ungauged locations in Ireland were
delineated, and a flood attenuation indicator (FAI) established from elevation and
river network data. The outputs from this Work Package were a series of
catchment descriptors for all gauged and ungauged locations for each
hydrometric area. The associated contributing catchment outlines for all gauged
and ungauged locations were also produced under this Work Package.
WP5.4
FLATWET
This Work Package had the objectives of developing a physical catchment
descriptor for an index of typical wetness (FLATWET) based on soil moisture
deficit data from 14 premier sites, and a method to interpolate to all gauged
locations and ungauged locations in the Republic of Ireland. The output from this
Work Package was a geospatial dataset of the variation of FLATWET across
Ireland that can be generalised to produce a value of the descriptor for ungauged
locations.
Work Group 6 - Dissemination & Publication of FSU Products
WP6.1
Alpha Testing of the FSU methodologies
Testing of the FSU methodologies by OPW staff and external contractors and
practitioners.
WP6.2
Development of a Web-based Applications Portal for the FSU
Development of the FSU Applications Portal, including implementation of all
associated tools and methodologies.
WP6.3
Data Cleansing
Revisions to digital datasets (from WP1.2, WP2.1 and WP5.2-WP5.4) to make
them suitable for general online use through WP6.2. The output from this work
package was a quality controlled series of datasets for use in design flood
estimation that have been transformed into standard formats for use in the
development and implementation of a web-based applications Portal.
WP6.4
Technical Documentation
Editing of Technical Research Reports (TRRs) and cross-linking to the On-screen
Stepwise Guidance (OSG) and the FSU Guidance Handbook (FGH) prepared as
part of WP6.2. The outputs of this Work Package were the edited versions of the
final reports from the technical research carried out as part of the FSU.
WP6.5
Beta Testing by Practitioners
Testing of the final website prior to launch
Table 2-1:
Constituent Work Packages within the FSU Research and Development

Many of the Work Packages listed in Table 2-1 included as their output, a Research Report
all of which are available in pdf format to download through the FSU Web Portal. Table 2-2
presents the full list of research reports that are available for download on the FSU Web
Portal.
Work Package
WP1.2
WP2.1
WP2.2
WP2.3
WP3.1
WP3.2
WP3.3
WP3.4
WP3.5
WP4.1
WP4.2
WP4.3
WP5.2
WP5.3
WP5.4
Table 2-2:
Research Report Title

Prepared by:
Estimation of Point Rainfall Frequencies
Met ireann
Review of Flood Flow Ratings for Flood
Hydro-Logic Ltd.
Studies Update
NUI Galway
Flood Estimation in Ungauged Catchments
NUI Maynooth
NUI Galway
Flood Event Analysis
University College Cork
Floodplain Attenuation Studies
University College Dublin
Guidance for River Basin Modelling
JBA Consulting
Interactive Bridge Invoking the Design
JBA Consulting
Event Method (IBIDEM)
Scoping Study of Urban Flooding Issues
University College Dublin
Flood Estimation in Small and Urbanised
OPW
Catchments
Assessing Impact of Progressive
RPS Consulting Engineers
Urbanisation at Catchment Scale
Base Flow Index Derived from Soils
OPW
Preparation of Digital Catchment
Compass Informatics
Descriptors (PCD)
PROPWET for Ireland: A Dimensionless
DWRconsult
Index of Typical Catchment Wetness
Titles of the Research Reports relating to each Work Package
The outputs of the various individual FSU Work Packages (in the form of Research Reports)
have been reviewed, edited and combined in to a series of 6 Volumes known as the FSU
Technical Research Report (TRR). The titles of each Volume are as listed below, and these
are available for download from the FSU Web Portal.
Volume I
Rainfall Frequency
Volume II
Flood Frequency Estimation
Volume III
Hydrograph Analysis
Volume IV
Physical Catchment Descriptors
Volume V
River Basin Modelling
Volume VI
Urbanised and Small Catchments
2.2 FSU Web-based Applications Portal

The web-based applications portal described in this FSU Guidance Handbook, (FGH),
facilitates the estimation of flood-flows, extreme rainfall depths, and other hydrological
variables, for thousands of river locations in the Republic of Ireland. These locations have
been identified by placing node-points at 500m centres along the entire Irish river network
(Environmental Protection Agencys blueline river network). The System allows Users to
estimate (a) extreme rainfall depths, (b) peak flood-flow rates and (c) flood-flow hydrographs
(time-series of flow), using a series of algorithms and node-specific parameters. There are
approximately 134,000 nodes on the blueline river network and node-specific parameters
(herein referred to as physical catchment descriptors or PCDs) for these were developed as
part of the FSU Programme. While almost 30 PCDs, expressed as numerical values, have
been developed for each node point, the currently implemented FSU methodologies use 10 of
these.
There is a strong element of geospatial analysis in the work that was done to develop the
PCDs and flood estimation methodologies, and this is reflected in the FSU Web Portal. For
example, Users can use a geospatial/GIS-based search tool to find their location(s) of interest,
to view the spatial characteristics of the contributing catchment area, and to view background
mapping.
There are five key areas for which extreme rainfall and flood estimation computational
methodologies have been implemented within the FSU Web Portal, namely:
Rainfall depth-duration-frequency (DDF) analysis;

Estimation of the index flood at ungauged locations;
Flood frequency analysis (and flood growth curve analysis);
Flood hydrograph width analysis (HWA);
Interactive Bridge Invoking the Design Event Method (IBIDEM).
Guidance on how to use the FSU Web Portal is contained in this FSU Guidance Handbook
(FGH) which is downloadable in pdf format from the 'Documents' page of the FSU Web
Portal. Further guidance is provided to the user in the form of an On-screen Stepwise
Guidance (OSG). The OSG may be accessed by clicking on the help buttons that are provided
at each stage of the calculation process to reveal the text of the OSG for that specific step.
Further links are also provided within the OSG that bring the user to the relevant sections of
the TRR Volumes.
2.3 Data Types

The various types of flow data that are available on the FSU Web Portal are outlined below,
together with particular points that should be noted in relation to potential problems with data
reliability.

2.3.1 Annual Maxima Values
These are the highest recorded water levels or estimated flows in each available water year of
record. A water year runs from 1st October in the given year to the 30th September the
following year (e.g. the water year 2000 runs from 1st October 2000 to 30th September 2001).
There may be gaps in the record due to recorder malfunction, missing charts, etc. It is
therefore possible that the water levels (and estimated flows) in any given year may have
exceeded the maximum value given for that year, and indeed that the maximum given for the
period of record may have been exceeded during that period.
The majority of estimated annual maxima flows have been derived from extrapolated ratings.
Where this is the case, the data may be erroneous and should be treated with caution.
2.3.2 Median Annual Maximum (QMED) Values (Summary Statistics)

QMED values are the median values of the Annual Maximum flow series. It should be noted
that the values might be skewed under the following circumstances:
The period of record was abnormally wet or dry,

Significant gaps in the records have occurred during low or high flow periods,
Inappropriate extrapolation of ratings has been used (flow data only).
3 APPROPRIATE USE
3.1 General
The FSU Web Portal implements the FSU methods for flood estimation. This FSU Guidance
Handbook (FGH) is not intended to present the full detail of these procedures and the User is
referred to the relevant Volume of the Technical Research Report for further details.
Throughout the FSU Web Portal online access to key guidance is available via the On-screen
icon where this is present. This will provide Users
Stepwise Guidance by clicking on the
with access to the text from the FGH and where appropriate a link to the relevant section of
the Technical Research Report.
The FSU Web Portal is a means of disseminating the results of the various FSU Work
Packages and of providing easy access to FSU methodologies. Consequently it is anticipated
that the FSU Web Portal will be used by a wide range of Users and for a range of purposes
from training new hydrologists to commercial applications. In this regard, the FSU Web
Portal has been developed for use by competent hydrologists and meteorologists who are
familiar with hydrological and meteorological techniques.
3.2 Statements and Conditions of Use

Please read carefully the following statements and conditions of use of the FSU Web Portal.
By accessing and using the FSU Web Portal you are agreeing to be bound by these terms and
conditions and our privacy policy. If you do not accept these terms and conditions and
privacy policy, you should not use this Portal. These terms and conditions may be varied
from time to time. Users of the FSU Web Portal will be alerted to this the next time they log
in to the portal after the updated revision has been posted by being asked to accept or reject
the revised disclaimer.
3.2.1 Statement Regarding Software Available from the FSU Web Portal
3.2.1.1 Any software that is made available to download from the FSU Web Portal is
copyright of the Commissioners. Use of the Software is governed by the terms of the
Software Licence Agreement. An end User will be unable to install any Software that is
accompanied by or includes a Software Licence Agreement, unless he or she first agrees to be
bound by the Software Licence Agreement. The Software is made available for downloading
solely for use by end Users according to the Software Licence Agreement. Any reproduction
or redistribution of the Software not in accordance with the Software Licence Agreement is
expressly prohibited.
3.2.1.2 Without limiting the foregoing, copying or reproduction of the software to any other
server or location for further reproduction or redistribution is expressly prohibited.

3.2.1.3 The Commissioners hereby disclaim all warranties and conditions with regard to the
software, including all implied warranties and conditions of merchantability, fitness for a
particular purpose, title and non-infringement.
3.2.1.4 In no event shall the Commissioners be liable for any damages whatsoever incurred
including special, indirect, or consequential damages whether in an action of contract,
negligence or other tortious action, arising out of or in connection with the use or
performance of software available from the FSU Web Portal.
3.2.1.5 All relevant Software Licence Agreements relating to software downloaded from the
FSU Web Portal are contained in the accompanying software documentation associated with
such software.
3.2.2 Statement Regarding Third-Party Links

The FSU Web Portal may link to other websites operated by third parties. Where these linked
sites are not under the control of the Commissioners, then the Commissioners are not
responsible for the content of any such linked site or any link contained in such a linked site,
or any changes or updates to such sites. Those websites may have separate terms and
conditions of use and/or privacy and data collection practices. These linked websites are
included for your convenience and are therefore accessed by you at your own risk. The
inclusion of any such link does not imply endorsement by the Commissioners of the linked
site or its contents.
3.2.3 Statement of Copyright

3.2.3.1 The content of the FSU Web Portal, including but not limited to text, graphics or
code, as a collective work is copyright of the Commissioners (save for any pre-existing
components of the Portal which were the prior property of our licensors).
3.2.3.2 All trademarks, service marks and trade names used in the FSU Web Portal are the
property of the Commissioners, or that of our licensors (in the case of pre-existing
components of the Portal which were the prior property of our licensors).
3.2.4 Statement Regarding Collection of Personal Information - Privacy Policy

3.2.4.1 Personal information provided voluntarily;
The Commissioners require you to provide personal information (e.g. your name, e-mail
address, and other personal information) in order to gain access to and provide feedback
concerning the FSU Web Portal.
3.2.4.2 The Commissioners respect the rights of all Users of the FSU Web Portal and does
not, as a general rule, collect personal information of any kind. Where a User voluntarily
provides personal information in connection with gaining access to or giving feedback on the

FSU Web Portal, such information will be used for research or analysis purposes only. For
general web browsing no personal information is revealed to us, although certain statistical
information is available to us via our Internet service provider. This information may include:
The address of the server you are using
The top-level domain name from which you access the Internet (e.g. .ie, .com,
.org, etc.)
The type of browser you are using
The date and time you access the Portal
The Internet address used to link to the Portal
3.2.4.3 Some of the above information is used to create summary statistics that allow us to
quantify and assess the number of visitors to the FSU Web Portal, identify what pages are
accessed most frequently and generally to help make the Portal more User-friendly.
3.2.4.4 The FSU Web Portal uses Google Analytics to help analyse how Users use the site.
This tool uses 'cookies', which are text files placed on your computer, to collect standard
internet log information and visitor behaviour information in an anonymous form. The
information generated about your use of the Portal (including your IP address) is transmitted
to Google. This information is then used to evaluate visitors' use of the website and to
compile statistical reports on website activity for the OPW.
3.2.4.5 The OPW does not use the statistical analytics tool to track or to collect any
personally identifiable information of visitors to our site. No data gathered from this site is
associated with any personally identifying information from any source as part of our use of
the Google Analytics tool. Google does not associate your IP address with any other data held
by Google. Neither the OPW nor Google link, or seek to link, an IP address with the identity
of a computer User.
3.2.4.6 The Commissioners request your e-mail address for the purposes of registering you as
a User. It will only be used for the purpose for which you have provided it and will not be
added to any mailing list. The Commissioners may use the e-mail address provided to contact
you individually or to contact a subset of Users about matters directly related to the FSU Web
Portal.
3.2.5 Cookies
3.2.5.1 The FSU Web Portal uses 'cookies' to track usage patterns and calculate system loads.
See the OPW Privacy Statement for details at http://www.opw.ie/privacy/.
3.2.5.2 A cookie is a piece of information that an Internet Web Portal may send to your
browser when you access information at that site. While the FSU Web Portal uses cookies,
they will not be used to store confidential information, or to attempt to identify you.
10
4 FSU RAINFALL & FLOOD ESTIMATION APPLICATIONS

The FSU Web Portal implements four key areas of the FSU methodologies for rainfall and
flood analysis:
Rainfall Depth-Duration-Frequency Analysis
Interactive Bridge invoking the Design Event Method (IBIDEM)
4.1 Rainfall Depth-Duration-Frequency Analysis

The FSU approach to estimating rainfall frequency/rarity allows estimation of the design
rainfall depth of a stated frequency for a range of durations. The rainfall depth-duration
model consists of an index rainfall (median of annual maximum rainfalls) and a rainfall
growth curve (based on a log-logistic distribution), both of which vary with duration. The
model also takes account of discretisation effects in the rainfall data, i.e. it distinguishes
maximum rainfall depths observed in fixed periods (e.g. 24 hours ending at 09:00) from those
observed in sliding periods (e.g. any consecutive 24 hours).
Two tools are available to the User; a design rainfall depth estimation tool and a rainfall
frequency estimation tool, both of which can be applied to either a specific point selected
from a 2km grid of points covering the whole of Ireland or a catchment.
The implementation of the Rainfall DDF analysis involves first selecting the tool to be used
i.e. depth or frequency, then specifying the relevant input parameters, either frequency and
duration for flood depth estimation or depth and duration for flood frequency estimation and
whether the analysis is required for a point or a catchment. If the analysis is performed on a
catchment the FSU Web Portal returns either the rainfall DDF estimate for the grid-point
closest to the catchment centroid if the catchment area is less than 5 km2, or the arithmetic
mean across all grid points within the catchment for catchments greater than 5km2 (Refer to
Chapter 6 for detailed information on the DDF Module).
4.2 Flood Frequency Analysis

The FSU approach to estimating the peak flow for a given return period (T) involves three
steps: first, estimation of the index flood, which is the median annual maximum flood
(QMED); second, estimation of an appropriate flood growth curve; and third, derivation of
the flood frequency curve which relates the index flood to the growth curve to provide an
11

initial estimate of the peak flow for the required return period (T)/annual exceedance
probability (AEP).
Depending on whether or not the subject site is a gauged location or an ungauged location,
these steps are implemented as follows:
Gauged Catchments The Index flood (QMED) is calculated as the median value of
the Annual Maximum (AMAX) flow series for the gauge. The appropriate growth
curve for gauged catchments is estimated using a Single Site Flood Frequency
Analysis, or Single Site Analysis which is a methodology based on an observed flood
series at the subject site. The most suitable probability distribution is fitted to the data
from which a flood growth curve and flood frequency curve are derived.
Ungauged Catchments The Index flood is first calculated using a PCD based
regression model / equation, this is known as QMEDrural. Gauged data from a suitable
geographically or hydrologically similar site is then used to generate an adjustment to
the initial estimation. The selection of an appropriate pivotal site for the derivation of
the adjustment factor is a critical step in the derivation of the index flood at an
ungauged location as it is the means by which the theoretical flood estimation from
the PCDs is related back to actual gauged data. A further adjustment for urbanisation
is then applied if required. The appropriate growth curve for an ungauged catchment
is estimated using a Pooled Analysis. This can be applied to any catchment, gauged or
ungauged. This method uses catchment characteristics (PCDs) to identify a number of
gauged catchments that are hydrologically similar to the catchment of the subject site.
The observed flood data for the similar gauged catchments are then pooled to
effectively create a longer time-series and used to estimate the peak flow at the ungauged subject site. In this way Pooled Analysis may also be used to supplement
Single Site Analysis to improve the robustness of the design estimation particularly
for long return period events.
The choice of analysis method depends not only on the nature of the subject site (gauged or
ungauged) but also on the length of flood record available compared to the return period to be
estimated. As a rule single site analysis should only be used where the length of record equals
or exceeds the required return period.
The FSU Web Portal enables the User to perform both Single Site and Pooled Analysis in
accordance with FSU procedures. The Portal is preloaded with flood peak data from over 200
Irish catchments for which there is confidence in flow data up to at least the value of QMED,
although additional flood peak data can be added to the archives by Users. Results can be
readily exported and projects saved by the User, storing station details, analysis methods etc.
which can be retrieved for future or further analysis (Refer to Chapter 7 for detailed
information on the Flood Frequencies Module).
12
4.3 Hydrograph Width Analysis

While Users of the FSU Web Portal can estimate design peak flows of various return periods
using the Flood Frequency Analysis module, for some applications they will require a
hydrograph rather than a simple peak value. The FSU Programme fulfils this requirement by
providing typical hydrograph shapes below a given peak value, known as characteristic
hydrographs. These are semi-dimensionless with ordinates expressed as a percentage of the
peak flow at intervals along a time axis. Thus the ordinates of the characteristic hydrograph
when scaled up by the peak design flow value create a design hydrograph for the subject site.
The FSU research has produced two main methods for creating characteristic hydrographs: a
parametric method and a non-parametric method.
The parametric method represents the characteristic hydrograph as a functional form, the
parameters of which can be estimated from catchment descriptors if (gauged) hydrographs
are not available for analysis. The method allows the User to construct the whole hydrograph.
The functional form is a variation on the Gamma curve.
The non-parametric method is suited to cases where extensive gauged hydrograph data are
available for analysis. Characteristic hydrographs produced by the non-parametric method
summarise the central (higher) sections of the hydrograph. A simplified version allows the
upper half of the characteristic hydrograph (i.e. ordinates greater than 50% of the peak flow)
to be constructed by quadratic curves, the parameters of which can be estimated from
catchment descriptors.
The FSU Web Portal implements the parametric method as this provides the whole
hydrograph, whereas the non-parametric method only produces part of the hydrograph.
The FSU Web Portal makes provision for a User to either undertake hydrograph analysis
online or to download the HWA software for use off-line. It is expected that more
experienced practitioners will use the HWA software to derive characteristic hydrographs by
direct analysis of hydrograph data. In some cases they will upload HWA results to the FSU
website and incorporate them when estimating the characteristic hydrograph at a particular
subject site.
For less experienced Users, the HWA results for 79 catchments derived in the FSU research
are pre-loaded on the FSU Web Portal.
The FSU Web Portal therefore allows the User to:
View pre-loaded hydrograph data from the FSU research;
View pre-loaded HWA results;
Review how the parametric method performs in summarising hydrographs at the

pivotal site;
13
Assess the performance of the PCD version of the parametric method at the
hydrograph pivotal site;
Apply the PCD version of the parametric method at a subject site, making an
adjustment to reflect the model performance seen at the hydrograph pivotal site.
Upload hydrographs and HWA results to the FSU Web Portal for additional stations.
[Note: this data will only be available to that specific User and for the current
session].
Refer to Chapter 8 for detailed information on the Hydrograph Widths Module.
4.4 IBIDEM
IBIDEM stands for Interactive Bridge Invoking the Design Event Method. This application
comprises a software tool linking FSU design hydrographs to the FSR design event rainfallrunoff method.
The IBIDEM application calibrates the Time to Peak (Tp) and Standard Percentage Runoff
(SPR) parameters of the FSR rainfall-runoff method so that the design hydrograph
synthesised by the FSR design event method matches that produced by the FSU procedures.
The default is for IBIDEM to apply the FSU rainfall depth-duration-frequency estimates. As
a minor option, the User is free to adjust the base flow component (not to be confused with
BFI).
It is anticipated that IBIDEM will mainly be used as a check on the consistency of design
flood hydrographs produced by the FSU, i.e. after both Flood Frequency Estimation and
Hydrograph Estimation have been completed. In a proportion of cases, inferences made using
IBIDEM may stimulate the more experienced User to revisit their use of the FSU procedures,
e.g. reconsidering the choice of pivotal site.
Because it makes a bridge to a rainfall-runoff method, IBIDEM may also prove useful for
carrying out sensitivity studies (e.g. of rainfall inputs) or when seeking to make an allowance
for land use or climate change.
IBIDEM works by importing a hydrograph which has been derived using FSU methods and
fitting a FSR rainfall-runoff hydrograph to match the shape and peak flow of the FSU
hydrograph. The fitting is carried out by adjusting the FSR rainfall-runoff parameters, time to
peak (Tp) and standard percentage runoff (SPR). Numerous runs of the FSR rainfall-runoff
method are performed during the hydrograph fitting process in IBIDEM.
IBIDEM implements all parts of the Flood Studies Supplementary Report No. 16 (NERC,
1985) version of the rainfall-runoff method apart from the calculation of time to peak and
standard percentage runoff from catchment characteristics, because these parameters are
derived by optimisation in order to fit the imported FSU hydrograph. For running the rainfallrunoff method, the software carries out the following steps:
14

1. Imports the catchment descriptors AREA, SAAR and URBEXT (the latter is needed
to adjust the percentage runoff).
2. Takes values of SPR and Tp supplied by the optimisation routine (or the adjustments
provided by the User for some options).
3. Selects an appropriate data interval T based on Tp, adopting a suitable convenient
value such as 0.25 hours or 1 hour.
4. Calculates the design rainfall duration D from Tp and SAAR and the areal reduction
factor (ARF) from AREA and D using the formula developed by Keers and Wescott
(1977), which is used in the Micro-FSR software.
5. Creates a triangular unit hydrograph using the Tp value.
6. Calculates the design rainfall depth from D and a User-supplied flood return period
(or set of return periods). The User-supplied flood return period is converted to a
rainfall return period using the appropriate FSR design package.
To function IBIDEM requires the rainfall depth for a typical (i.e. average) point in the
catchment. Within IBIDEM, this is multiplied by the ARF to give the catchment-average
rainfall for the required return period.
15
5 USING THE FSU WEB PORTAL

5.1 Accessing the FSU Web Portal
The FSU Web Portal is freely accessible to anyone with a suitable internet connection and the
following minimum system requirements at http://www.opw.ie/en/fsu/
Preferred Browsers: Google Chrome Version 34.0.1847.116m and Mozilla Firefox

ESR 10.0.4
Other Browsers: Internet Explorer 8 or above, Opera, Safari
CPU: Intel Core2Duo 2.5GHz or above, or AMD equivalent
Memory: 2GB, recommended 4GB
Hard drive: no requirements
Screen resolution: 1280x800 pixels
On entry into the FSU Web Portal the home page shown in Figure 5.1 will be displayed. If
required, the Irish language version of the home page, shown in Figure 5.2, can be accessed
by clicking on the 'Gaeilge' button.
From the home page of the FSU Web Portal it is possible to access the News page, the
Documents page, the Contact page, the 'Frequently Asked Questions' (FAQs) page and the
System requirements page by clicking on the relevant button from those circled in red on
the left of the screen (see Figure 5.1). By clicking on the series of buttons circled in green in
the lower half of the screen users can access further pages providing guidance on getting
started with the FSU Web Portal, the background to the FSU Programme and how to provide
feedback on the FSU Web Portal or indeed any aspect of the FSU methodologies. A link is
also provided to a publications and papers page where published academic papers relating to
the FSU Programme are listed. The buttons circled in orange in Figure 5.1 allow users to
view lists of data providers, technical steering group members and researchers who have been
involved in the FSU Programme and to access links to the following hydrological related
web-sites and information:
'Access Hydrometric Data', takes user to the relevant page of the gov.ie website,
'OPW website', takes user to the main OPW home page,
'Floodmaps.ie', takes the user to the National Flood Hazard Mapping website,
'Waterlevel.ie', takes the user to a website where realtime water level data can be
obtained,
'Hydrology Ireland', takes the user to the Hydrology Ireland home page,
'Section 50 Consent', opens a PDF copy of the OPW guidance for consenting of
construction, replacement or alteration of bridges and culverts under Section 50 of SI122
of 2010 and the Arterial Drainage Act of 1945.
16
Figure 5.1:
FSU Web Portal Home Page
Figure 5.2:
Irish Language Home Page
17

Clicking on News will open a new page similar to that shown in Figure 5.3 where
individual news items can be accessed by clicking on Continue reading or by selecting
specific items from the menus on the right hand side of the screen.
Figure 5.3:
Typical News Page
Clicking on Documents will open the documents page shown in Figure 5.4, from where it
will be possible to access and download various reference documents relating to the FSU
research programme and the FSU Web Portal, which also includes a copy of this document.
18
Figure 5.4:
Typical Documents Page
The 'Contacts' page provides access to contact details for the FSU management team for any
queries relating to either the FSU Programme or the use of the FSU Web Portal as illustrated
in Figure 5.5. The FAQ page is intended to provide answers to common questions you may
have about the FSU Programme, Research, Web Portal, Methodologies and other general
questions as illustrated in Figure 5.6. The 'System requirements' page which lists the
preferred minimum system requirements in terms of hardware and browsers for accessing the
FSU Web Portal is illustrated in Figure 5.7 .
19
Figure 5.5:
Contact Page
Figure 5.6:
FAQ Page
20
Figure 5.7:
System requirements Page
The 'Getting Started' page is illustrated in Figure 5.8 and provides a brief summary of how to
access the FSU Web Portal and where to find more detailed guidance on how to use the
various methodologies implemented within the FSU Web Portal.
The 'FSU Background' page illustrated in Figure 5.9, provides a brief summary of the FSU
research programme and structure with links to where more detailed information may be
found.
The content of the 'Feedback' page is illustrated in Figure 5.10, while the Publications &
Papers page is illustrated in Figure 5.11. The lists of data Providers, Technical Steering
Group Members and FSU Researchers appear in a similar format to the Feedback page
shown in Figure 5.10.
21
Figure 5.8:
Getting Started Page
Figure 5.9:
FSU Background
22
Figure 5.10: Feedback Page
Figure 5.11: Publications and Papers
23

It is also possible to send an enquiry to the FSU helpdesk by clicking on HELPDESK in the
top banner of any page (circled in blue in Figure 5.1). This will open a pop-up window
similar to that shown in Figure 5.12 requesting the User to enter a query/comment and their
contact details.
Figure 5.12: FSU Web Portal Helpdesk

In order to enter the FSU Web Portal and begin using the FSU methodologies you need to
register as a User using the procedure outlined in section 5.2.
5.2 Registering as a User

To gain access to the functionality of the FSU Web Portal a User must first register their
Username and password with the Portal. This is initiated by clicking on the Register button
circled in Figure 5.13 which will open the User registration window shown in Figure 5.14.
24
Figure 5.13: FSU Web Portal Home Page - Registration
Figure 5.14: User Registration Window
25

To register as a User you must provide as a minimum:
your first name,

your last name,
your e-mail address (which will become your Username and must be a valid e-mail
address as a link will be emailed to this address requiring a response to validate your
registration)
your chosen password (must be minimum of 8 characters long and include at least one
letter and one number).
Once the necessary information has been entered, clicking on register (circled in red in
Figure 5.14) will display the pop-up shown in Figure 5.15 confirming receipt of your
registration application and requesting that you activate your Username using the link
emailed to you.
Figure 5.15: Confirmation of Receipt of Registration Information

Once you have activated your Username by clicking on the link in the email sent to you by
the FSU Web Portal you will be taken to the disclaimer acceptance screen, Figure 5.16,
where you need to click Accept to gain access to the FSU Web Portal. If you click Reject
you will not be logged into the FSU Web Portal and your Username will be invalid.
Previously registered Users can login to the FSU Web Portal at any time by entering their
Username (their email address) and password in the relevant boxes on the home page.
Checking the Save password option will save your details, thus you will not need to login to
the FSU Web Portal again on your next visit. If you do not check the Save password option
26

your session will expire after 5 minutes of inactivity. Once logged in to the FSU Web Portal a
Sign Out button will appear in the top banner beside the Helpdesk button to allow you to
sign out from the FSU Web Portal at any time.
Once logged into the FSU Web Portal as a User you will have access to the Applications
page shown in Figure 5.17, which will give you access to the two main areas of the FSU Web
Portal:
(see Section 5.3)
The Download Application
The Rainfall and Flood Estimation Applications
(see Sections 5.4, 6, 7, 8 and 9.)
Figure 5.16: Disclaimer Screen
Figure 5.17: FSU Web Portal Applications Page
27

As a registered User you will be able to access the Users Forum via the link on the left
hand side of the home page encircled in blue in Figure 5.18. You will also be able to change
your account details via the home page by clicking on Manage my account in the top right
of the home page, see Figure 5.18. This will direct you to a login page for a separate web
application, Figure 5.19, where you will have to enter your Username and password to access
the account management screen, Figure 5.20 where you can modify the details held for you.
Figure 5.18: FSU Web Portal Home Page, Registered User
Figure 5.19: User Account Management Login
28
Figure 5.20: Account Management Application Screen

Clicking on Forum will take you to the User Forum page shown in Figure 5.21, where you
can select from a list of forum topics to view [Note: New Forums can only be added by
Administrators]. If a User tries to create a new forum an error message, Figure 5.22, will be
displayed.
.
Figure 5.21: FSU User Forum Home Page
29
Figure 5.22: Error Message Displayed if a User Tries to Create a Forum Topic
Clicking on the relevant forum will open a screen similar to that shown in Figure 5.23
showing the categories of discussion within the forum. Again new categories of discussions
can only be opened by an Administrator.
30
Figure 5.23: User Forum Topic

Clicking on a forum topic e.g. Rainfall DDF in Figure 5.23, will open a further window,
Figure 5.24 showing the discussion thread for that topic. Users can add to the discussion by
clicking on Add new Discussion which will open the dialogue box shown in Figure 5.25
where a User can enter their message and post it by clicking Save. Open discussion topics
i.e. topics that a User can contribute to, are indicated by a symbol in the right most column,
whereas closed topics are indicated by a symbol.
31
Figure 5.24: Forum Discussion Window
Figure 5.25: Discussion Dialogue Box
32
5.3 The Download Application

The Download Application is accessed by clicking on the download icon,
, on the
Applications page, Figure 5.17, which will open the download page shown in Figure 5.26. On
first access this will be blank, however on subsequent visits a User will be shown a list of
their previous downloads. Two types of download are available from the FSU Web Portal:
Data (see Section 5.3.1),

Documents & Software (see Section 5.3.2.)
Figure 5.26: Download Application Page

5.3.1 Data Download
Within the data download page various types of data can be accessed, for example, Annual
Maxima, Continuous Time Series, Spatial Layers and Spatial Layer Attributes. To assist in
finding data after multiple downloads have been processed it is possible to filter the list of
available downloads using the drop down menu in the top right of the page.
A new download can be set up by clicking on New download request which will open a
pop-up window as shown in Figure 5.27. To create a download request a User needs to:
1. Select the source/type of data to be downloaded from the upper dropdown menu
shown in Figure 5.27 and
2. Select the location for which the User wishes to download the data from the lower
dropdown menu shown in Figure 5.27.
33

Once the required parameters have been selected clicking on Send request will submit the
request and after a short interval (maximum 5 minutes) the new download will appear in the
list of available data downloads, Figure 5.28. Clicking on the information icon, , will open
a pop-up showing the metadata for the download, Figure 5.29. To complete the download
click on the icon beside the required data, to delete the download click on the icon.
Figure 5.27: New Data Download Request
34
Figure 5.28: Completed Data Download Request
Figure 5.29: Popup Showing Metadata for Download
35

5.3.2 Documents & Software Download
The second form of download available through the FSU Web Portal relates to published
documents from the FSU Research Programme and other associated documents and
standalone software packages developed as part of the FSU Programme. An example of the
Documents & Software download page is shown in Figure 5.30. Downloading a document or
software package listed requires a double click on the relevant document name/link in the
central column which will start the download process.
Figure 5.30: Documents & Software Download
5.4 Rainfall & Flood Estimation Applications

The Rainfall and Flood Estimation Applications are accessed by clicking on the
icon on
the Applications page, Figure 5.17, and gives access to four hydrological applications:
Rainfall DDF (see Section 6)

Flood Frequency (see Section 7)
Hydrograph Width Analysis (see Section 8)
IBIDEM (see Section 9)
On first access to the FSU Web Portal Rainfall and Flood Estimation Applications page a
User will see the screen shown in Figure 5.31. On subsequent visits the Portal will
automatically direct a User to where they finished last time if they have an open session.
36
Figure 5.31: Rainfall and Flood Estimation Applications Home Screen

On this screen the User has four options available to them:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Create a new session by clicking on the icon,

Load a previous session by clicking on the icon,
Open a reporting session by clicking on the icon or
Access the On-screen Stepwise Guidance by clicking on the
icon.
Clicking on the 'New session' icon, , will open the create a new session pop-up shown in
Figure 5.32. Each session requires a unique name, and the initial hydrological module to
be selected from the drop down menu shown in Figure 5.32. [Note: it is not possible to
select Hydrograph Width Analysis unless a Flood Frequency analysis has previously been
completed.]. Once the unique session name has been entered [Note: the User will be
prompted if the chosen session name already exists] click Create to move to the first
screen of the initial hydrological module. At this point three additional icons will appear
in the header bar, save session , save session as , and finish session . When a
session is finished, the session becomes read only and the User cannot perform any
further calculations in that session.
37
Figure 5.32: Create New Session Pop-up

Clicking on the 'Load session' icon, , will open the dialogue box shown in Figure 5.33, the
drop down menu will show all saved sessions. To open a previously saved session, highlight
the session name and click load.
38
Figure 5.33: Load Session Dialogue

Clicking on the reporting icon, , will open the dialogue box shown in Figure 5.34. The
relevant Audit Trail Report (ATR) or Flood Estimation Report (FER) can be downloaded as a
pdf document by clicking on the appropriate icon beside the required session.
The Audit Trail Report records all significant decisions made in a session, particularly those
occasions where a User has elected to override suggestions made by the System (the reason
given by the User for overriding the System is then recorded).
The Flood Estimation Report allows Users to export and hence print the outputs of their
calculations and includes details of the:
(a) Subject site information coordinates, watercourse, location (townland/town/village), and
list of PCDs
(b) Pivotal site(s) information - coordinates, watercourse, location (townland/town/village),
list of PCDs, AMAX data for the site(s)
(c) Map of subject site location within its hydrometric area showing contributing catchment,
and pivotal site location
(d) QMED estimates, adjustment factors applied, and the QMED, 68% and 95% confidence
intervals
(e) Pooling Group for flood growth curve estimation (tabular layout)
39

(f) Selected flood growth curve (plotted and tabular values)
(g) Hydrograph plots and tabular values for a minimum of four return periods
(h) The audit trail report of key decisions (as an appendix, giving details of any manual
overrides in contradiction to those suggested by the System, the reasons that were recorded
for such manual overrides, and any warnings that the User chose to ignore).
Figure 5.34: Reporting Dialogue Box

Clicking on the help icon , will display relevant on-screen stepwise guidance (OSG) in a
new pop-up window as shown in Figure 5.35. This applies anywhere that the help icon, ,
is displayed throughout the Portal. The OSG provides guidance on how to perform the
various calculations within the FSU Web Portal and information on what is being calculated
at each step, definition of any specific terms, what data needs to be input, the meaning of
symbols, appropriate values and warnings. The OSG text is generally drawn from this
document although where appropriate a link to the relevant TRR is provided to give the User
access to more detailed information about the methodologies behind any particular step in the
calculation process.
40
Figure 5.35: Typical OSG Pop-up Window
5.5 Site Orientation Map

A key component of the Rainfall and Flood Estimation Applications is the Site Orientation
Map (SOM) on the left side of the view (see Figure 5.36). Selecting the Rainfall DDF, Flood
Frequencies or Hydrograph Widths modules, either by specifying them as the initial module
in a new session or by clicking on their respective tabs will open a window that includes the
SOM on the left hand side as shown in Figure 5.36. This map forms the basis by which a
User can search for, and select the location at which they wish to perform the subsequent
hydrological analysis for either rainfall or flood estimation.
41
Figure 5.36: Rainfall DDF Module showing the SOM

Users can pan using either a single click and drag of the left mouse button if the pan icon, ,
in the top right of the SOM is highlighted or by using the pan arrows in the top left of the
SOM window. Similarly Users can zoom using the scroll wheel on a mouse or by clicking on
the relevant zoom tool icon or in the top right of the SOM window and dragging a box or
using the fixed zoom in/out icon in the top left of the SOM window. Clicking on the icon
takes the User to the previous view, while clicking on the icon returns the User to the next
view.
The SOM window also includes a search tool, accessed by clicking on the search icon, ,
which enables a User to search for specific locations based on County, Townland,
Town/Village, Catchment, River, River Basin District, Gauging Station Number or Gauging
Station Name and co-ordinates.
Search criteria should be entered as simple text or as Easting and Northing separated by a
comma in either ITM, WGS84 or Irish Grid, for example: 204000,242000 where 204000 =
Easting and 242000 = Northing of Athlone to Irish Grid.
The information displayed in the background of the SOM can be modified by selecting
various layers from the layer configuration menu shown in Figure 5.37 which is displayed
when a User clicks on the Layer configuration tab in the bottom left of the SOM window.
The layer configuration allows you to turn on and off individual layers of information. [Note:
the background map cannot be changed here, this is done using the configuration wheel
in
the top right corner of the map.]
42

The following constraints apply to the layers:
Not all layers can be turned on and off at all times. Some layers are compulsory in
some phases, e.g. Ungauged Locations cannot be turned off when selecting an
ungauged subject site.
Not all layers are shown completely. Due to the size of the ungauged catchments
layer, only the currently selected ungauged catchment is shown (if applicable). Also
only the currently selected pivotal candidate catchment is shown when selecting a
pivotal site.
DDF Grid Points and Ungauged Locations are only shown from a certain zoom level,
in order to avoid cluttering the map.
Figure 5.37: Layer Selection in SOM

The background map source can be customised by clicking on the
icon in the top right of
the SOM window to access the menu shown in Figure 5.38. Available mapping options can
be selected from the drop-down menu. Changes are implemented by clicking on save settings
[Note: this will cause a page refresh, therefore make sure your progress is saved before
implementing a change in background mapping]. The list of available maps is as follows;
OSM
OSI ITM
OSI ITM MS
OSI ITM LS
OSI ITM Ortho
Open Street Mapping (default)

OSi MapGenie mapping, ITM projection
OSi MapGenie mapping, ITM projection, Medium Scale
OSi MapGenie mapping, ITM projection, Large Scale
OSi Orthophotography, ITM projection
43

OSI ITM Hybrid
OSI WM MS
OSI WM Ortho
OSI Raster
OSi mapping, ITM projection

OSi MapGenie mapping, Web Mercator projection, Medium
Scale
OSi Orthophotography, Web Mercator projection
OSi Raster Mapping
The co-ordinates of the cursor location are displayed in the bottom right corner of the SOM
window using one of the following three EPSG standards, depending on which map type is
being displayed as indicated below:
EPSG:3857: Google Spherical Mercator
OSM
OSI WM Ortho
OSI WM MS
EPSG:29902: Irish Grid
OSI Raster
EPSG:2157: Irish Transverse Mercator
OSI ITM
OSI ITM MS
OSI ITM LS
OSI ITM Ortho
OSI ITM Hybrid
Figure 5.38: Background Mapping Options
44
6 RAINFALL DDF MODULE

With the Rainfall DDF application a User can calculate either rainfall amounts (depths) for a
specified return period (or AEP) or calculate the return period (or AEP) of a specified rainfall
depth. Calculations can be performed at a specific point or over a catchment. To select which
type of calculation is to be undertaken click in the checkbox to the left of the relevant
calculation type. When a User chooses an option, the relevant inputs will be loaded and they
will be guided to enter appropriate values. As with all modules of the FSU Web Portal the onscreen stepwise guidance is available at any point that the icon is displayed.
6.1 Design Rainfall Depth

When a User selects Design Rainfall Depth (DRD) they will be asked to specify the
following information in the boxes on the right hand side of the screen, see Figure 6.1:
Rainfall Duration
Enter the rainfall duration (in hours) to be used for the subsequent calculation.
Rainfall depth can be calculated for durations of between 15 minutes and 25 days.
[Note: Users will not be able to calculate design rainfall depths for return periods of
>250 years for durations of <24 hours, nor for return periods >500 years for durations
of >24 hours] .
Rainfall return period (Years, or add % to use AEP)

Enter the required return period (AEP) for which rainfall depth is to be calculated. (To
use percentage instead of years, add a % symbol to the value (e.g. 15%)). [Note: Users
will not be able to calculate for return periods of >250 years for durations of <24
hours, nor for return periods >500 years for durations >24 hours].
Location type
Select whether the calculation is to be undertaken for a single point or a catchment
(gauged or ungauged).
45
Figure 6.1:
6.1.1
Design Rainfall Depth Calculation
Selecting "Point"
This will display an overlay of predefined points at 2km grid spacing on the map from
which the User can select the required point. Users can use the zoom facility on the
map window or scrolling wheel on their mouse to zoom in. Left click and drag to pan
to the correct portion on the map in order to facilitate selection of the correct point,
Figure 6.2. [Note: The grid of points will only be displayed when zoomed to a
suitable zoom level, Figure 6.3]
46
Figure 6.2:
Zoomed In Point Selection
Figure 6.3:
Display of Grid Points at Minimum Zoom Level
47

Once selected, a pushpin, , will be placed on the map to show the location of the selected
point and the co-ordinates will be displayed in the window as shown in Figure 6.4. The
selected point can be changed by clicking on the Reset button which will cancel the present
selection thus enabling the User to select a different point.
Figure 6.4:
Rainfall DDF Window with Subject Site Selected
The calculation is completed by clicking on Calculate which will invoke the calculation of
Rainfall Depth for the specified duration and return period at the selected point. A pop-up
window will appear showing the calculation results as shown in Figure 6.5. If the calculation
is successful or has triggered a warning the User can accept or reject the results, however if
the result is an error this cannot be accepted.
48
Figure 6.5:
Calculation Results - Point
If a User rejects the result they will be returned to the map. There is an option to Reset and
select your pre-defined point again or an alternative point if required. If a User accepts the
result a message will appear at the top right hand corner of the screen indicating that the
session has been saved and the User will be offered the option of calculating a rainfall profile
using the IBIDEM module, Figure 6.6.
49
Figure 6.6:
Final Screen of Rainfall DDF Calculation for a Point
6.1.2 Selecting "Catchment"

This will display a series of catchments as an overlay on the map from which a User can
select the relevant catchment.
If a User selects 'Gauged catchment' the map will display the outlines for catchments
that have gauging stations, Figure 6.7.
If a User selects 'Ungauged catchment', ungauged catchment nodes will be displayed

on the map, Figure 6.8.
A User can use the zoom facility on the map window or scrolling wheel on their mouse to
zoom in and left click and drag to pan to the correct portion of the map in order to facilitate
selection of the correct catchment/node by clicking on it. If multiple catchments overlap at
the point of interest (which is the location of the cursor when the mouse is clicked), a pop-up
window will appear, Figure 6.9, to allow the User to select which catchment they wish to use.
Once selected a flag, , will be placed at the centroid of the relevant catchment and the
catchment details will appear in the window on the right of the SOM page, Figure 6.10.
50
Figure 6.7:
Gauged Catchments
Figure 6.8:
Ungauged Catchment Node Selection Screen
51
Figure 6.9:
Overlapping Gauged Catchments
Figure 6.10: Gauged Catchment Selected
52

For small ungauged catchments (<5km2) the Rainfall DDF module uses the nearest grid point
for analysis marked with the symbol in Figure 6.11 [Note: A warning message is displayed
advising the User to check that the selected point is representative of the catchment in terms
of elevation]. For larger ungauged catchments the symbol is placed at the location of the
downstream node as shown in Figure 6.12.
Figure 6.11: Small Ungauged Catchment Selected
53
Figure 6.12: Large Ungauged Catchment Selected

Once a catchment has been selected, clicking on 'Calculate' will initiate the Design Rainfall
Depth for the selected catchment. A message window will appear, Figure 6.13, with the result
of the calculation and an indication of the Areal Reduction Factor that was applied to the
rainfall depth. The ARF is applied because it is considered that rainfall intensity at any point
is bound to be greater than rainfall over an area for the same return period (Refer to FSU
Technical Research Report, Volume I, Rainfall Frequency, Section 8.2.3).
54
Figure 6.13: Results of Typical Catchment Calculation

If a User rejects the result they will be returned to the map. There is an option to Reset and
select the subject site catchment again if required. If a User accepts the result a message will
appear at the top right hand corner of the screen indicating that the session has been saved
and the User will be offered the option of calculating a rainfall profile using the IBIDEM
module, Figure 6.14.
55
Figure 6.14: Final Screen of Rainfall DDF Calculation for a Typical Catchment
6.2 Design Rainfall Frequency

When a User selects Design Rainfall Frequency (DRF) they will be asked to specify the
following information as shown in Figure 6.15:
Rainfall duration
Enter the rainfall duration (in hours) to be used for the subsequent calculation. [Note:
Users will not be able to calculate for return periods of >250 years for durations of
<24 hours, nor for return periods >500 years for durations of >24 hours].
Rainfall depth in mm
Enter the depth of rainfall for which an estimate of Return Period is required.
Duration type to be used

Two options are available to a User;
o Fixed
o Sliding
This variable defines whether the calculation is adjusted for discretisation effects. By
specifying fixed the maximum rainfall depth observed in a fixed period e.g. 24hrs
ending at 09:00, is used whereas specifying sliding uses any consecutive 24hr
period. Sliding duration will be the most commonly used as fixed duration can only be
applied to durations that are exact multiples of 24 hours.
56
Figure 6.15: Design Rainfall Frequency Input Page

The remaining steps are as per Section 6.1 with the same option for undertaking calculations
for a point or a catchment (gauged or ungauged) and the results displayed in a pop-up
window as shown in Figure 6.16.
Figure 6.16: Results of Rainfall Frequency Analysis
57

If a User accepts the result a message will appear at the top right hand corner of the screen
indicating that the session has been saved and the User will be offered the option of
calculating a rainfall profile using the IBIDEM module.
6.3 Design Storm Profile

The application of many hydrological approaches requires a rainfall or storm profile in
addition to rainfall depth and duration. Consequently, an option to generate a storm profile
based on the results of the Rainfall DDF module is included within the FSU Web Portal. The
approach implemented within the FSU Web Portal is based on that set out in Chapter 4 of
Volume 2 of the Flood Estimation Handbook (FEH) which in turn uses the approach first
used in the earlier Flood Studies Report (FSR). As with the FEH two standard storm profiles
are available, representing either summer or winter events; these profiles are symmetric,
single-peaked and bell shaped. The shape of the storm profiles does not vary with storm
duration or location and is based on the 75% winter profile for rural catchments, and the 50%
summer profile for urban catchments.
Selecting the option to apply a rainfall profile on any of the Rainfall DDF module final
screens Figure 6.6, Figure 6.14 or Figure 6.16, will display the pop-up window shown in
Figure 6.17. Here the User is required to specify the number of time steps and which standard
storm profile [summer or winter] are to be used to generate the desired rainfall profile. The
Portal will default to 5 time steps although the User can modify this but it must be an odd
number.
Figure 6.17: Input Screen for Rainfall Profile Generation
58

Once the number of time steps and the standard storm profile have been defined, click on
Calculate rainfall profile to initiate the calculations and produce the output shown in Figure
6.18. At this point the User has two options, clicking on 'Back' will return them to the
previous screen, Figure 6.17, while clicking on 'Export' will open a pop-up to allow the User
to download the generated profile as a .csv file.
Figure 6.18: Output of Rainfall Profile Calculation
59
7 FLOOD FREQUENCY MODULE

The FSU approach to flood frequency estimation is based on the index flood method in which
the peak magnitude of the T-year flood at any location is estimated as the product of an index
flood (QMED) and a flood growth factor at that location. Consequently Flood Frequency
estimation involves two main steps, the calculation of QMED and the calculation of the
growth factor. Within the FSU approach these calculations are conducted differently
depending on whether the subject site is gauged or ungauged.
Selecting the Flood Frequencies module, either by specifying it as the initial module in a new
session or by clicking on the Flood Frequencies tab will open the Flood Frequencies module
home page, Figure 7.1. As with the Rainfall DDF home page a key feature of the Flood
Frequencies home page is the Site Orientation Map (SOM) on the left side of the view. This
map forms the basis by which a User can search for, and select the location at which they
wish to perform the subsequent flood estimation.
Figure 7.1:
Flood Frequencies Module Base Window
As with other modules of the FSU Web Portal, on-screen stepwise guidance is available at
any point that the icon is displayed. At this stage a legend is also added to the left edge of
the SOM window above the Layer Configuration menu. FSU Gauging station locations are
also indicated by triangular symbols on the map, the size of the symbol provides an indication
of the length of AMAX record and the colour indicates the quality rating of the site
Green - A1
Amber - A2
Red - B.
60

Non-FSU Stations and ungauged locations are marked with a black star,
and the site of
interest, where the User clicked their mouse, is indicated by a symbol while the proposed
subject site is marked by a symbol.
7.1 Subject Site Selection

The subject site is the site (or principal site) at which a rainfall or flood estimate is required,
and will rarely correspond to gauging stations. At the subject site selection stage the outcome
of clicking on the map in the SOM window will vary depending on which of the three
available options is selected in the Subject Site selection box;
View gauged meta data;
Figure 7.2:
clicking on a gauge site will open a pop up window

displaying the meta data held for that gauging site in the
form of Physical Catchment Descriptors as shown in
Figure 7.2 or a bar chart of AMAX data (either Estimated
Flow, Water Level or Staff Gauge Reading, depending on
what is selected from the dropdown menu below plot) as
shown in Figure 7.3. [Actual values of the AMAX data
can be viewed by hovering over the relevant bar in the
chart.]
Typical Metadata for Gauging Station
61
Figure 7.3:
AMAX Data for Gauged Site
Suggest gauged subject site;
clicking on a gauge site or within a gauged catchment will

place a
symbol at the point where the mouse was
clicked to indicate the site of interest and a
symbol at
the relevant gauging station. At the same time the
properties of the smallest sub-catchment containing the
subject site, including relevant PCDs are imported to the
accordion window on the right of the screen, Figure 7.4.
Clicking anywhere outside of the available gauged
catchments will return an error message No station was
found [Note: switching on the gauged catchments layer
using the layer configuration menu can help in selecting
the relevant gauge location].
62
Figure 7.4:
Subject Site Selected for Flood Frequency Analysis (Gauged Location)
Suggest ungauged subject site;
clicking anywhere within the map displayed in the SOM

window will place a
symbol at the point where the
mouse was clicked to place a
symbol at the closest
ungauged node to indicate the suggested subject site. The
ungauged catchment boundary will also be displayed and
the relevant PCDs imported to the accordion window on
the right of the screen, Figure 7.5.
The selection of the subject site can be confirmed by clicking on the

icon or rejected by
clicking on the
button which will reset the map allowing the User to select a different
node. Clicking on the icon will bring up a pop-up window asking the User to confirm their
choice, Figure 7.6. If the catchment area of the suggested subject site is less than 25km2 a
warning will be shown, Figure 7.7. [Note: the FSU methodologies should be used with
caution on small catchments]. Once the choice of subject site has been confirmed the User is
then directed to the next applicable stage of the analysis:
Pivotal Site selection, (see Section 7.2, for an ungauged location or;
Single-site Flood Frequency Analysis, (see Section 7.4, for a gauged location)
63
Figure 7.5:
Subject Site Selected for Flood Frequency Analysis (Ungauged Location)
Figure 7.6:
Subject Site Confirmation Pop-up
64
Figure 7.7:
Warning Message for Small Catchments
7.2 Pivotal Site Selection (Ungauged Subject Site)

A pivotal site is the FSU Station that is most relevant to a particular flood estimation problem
with the potential to donate data to an ungauged subject site. Ideally it will lie a short distance
upstream or downstream from the subject site, but can be located anywhere in the country if
it is hydrologically similar.
An FSU Station is a flow gauging station that was used in the analysis supporting the FSU
methodologies. The annual maximum (AMAX) series data from these gauging stations have
been quality checked and given a quality classification and these are the primary gauging
stations used for flood estimation in the FSU Web Portal. The inclusion of a station in the
FSU database indicates that there is confidence in the stations flow values (derived from its
rating curve) up to at least the value of QMED.
By default the FSU Web Portal first looks for pivotal sites upstream and downstream of the
subject site and if these are found directs the User straight to the pivotal site selection screen,
Figure 7.8.
65
Figure 7.8:
Pivotal Site Selection Screen
The pivotal site selection screen Figure 7.8, displays a symbol at the site of interest (where
the mouse was clicked), a
symbol at the location of the subject site, [Note: these two
symbols will be overlapped if the User clicks on a FSU node] a symbol at the suggested
downstream pivotal site and a symbol at the alternative upstream pivotal site.
If there are no FSU Stations upstream and downstream of the subject site a pop up will
appear when the icon is pressed giving the User the option to select a pivotal site from the
map or from a ranked list of hydrologically closest sites, Figure 7.9. If the former is selected
the User is directed to the pivotal site selection screen where four symbols indicating the
locations of the geographically closest candidate sites are displayed along with the symbol
at the suggested (geographically closest) pivotal site and the and symbols showing the
site of interest and subject site respectively, Figure 7.10. If the latter is selected the User is
again directed to the pivotal site selection screen however in this case the symbol is located
at the suggested hydrologically closest pivotal site and the four symbols are located at the
four next most hydrologically similar sites, Figure 7.11.
66
Figure 7.9:
Popup for Subject Sites with no FSU Sites Upstream or Downstream
Figure 7.10: Pivotal Site Selection Geographically Closest
67
Figure 7.11: Pivotal Site Selection Hydrologically Closest

Irrespective of what route is followed to arrive at the pivotal site selection screen the icons
within the pivotal site accordion window on the left of the screen have the following
functions;
Accept or reject suggested pivotal site
Show Catchment Attribute Thumbnails (CATs) for the subject and pivotal sites
Show PCD and AMAX for selected pivotal site
Show next suggested pivotal site,
show previous suggested pivotal site [Note: only
appears after User has elected to view a different suggested pivotal site from that initially
indicated]
Use non-FSU AMAX series to create pivotal data
The User can browse through all suggested pivotal sites (candidate sites) in order to review
them using the
and
icons. Accepting the selected pivotal site by clicking on the
icon
will take the User to the screen shown in Figure 7.12, which displays a summary of various
PCDs for the subject and pivotal sites. The User has three options at this point:
Review information for a different candidate pivotal site - closes the pop-up window
and returns the User to the previous view, Figure 7.8, Figure 7.10 or Figure 7.11.
68
Reject - is similar, however the User will be prompted to enter a reason why they
have rejected the suggested pivotal site, and a red dot is placed against the Status for
that site (see example in Figure 7.13),
Accept allows the User to progress to the next stage, QMED estimation, Section 7.3
Again the User will need to enter a reason for accepting the suggested pivotal site.
Figure 7.12: Confirmation of Pivotal Site Selection
69
Figure 7.13: Example of Screen Displayed for a Rejected Pivotal Site

Within the pivotal site selection screen clicking on the
icon to show the CATs for selected
and pivotal site will open the window shown in Figure 7.14. Initially, an array of 9 CATs will
be displayed thus enabling the User to compare the similarity of the PCDs for the subject and
pivotal site graphically. The relevant PCD of the subject site is indicated by a blue cross and
that of the pivotal site indicated by a red dot. The User can zoom in on a particular CAT by
clicking on it, Figure 7.15.
70
Figure 7.14: Array of Catchment Attribute Thumbnails
Figure 7.15: Typical Single CAT Thumbnail
71

icon in the pivotal site selection screen will take the User to a screen
Clicking on the
showing PCDs for selected pivotal site, Figure 7.16. AMAX information can be viewed by
clicking on the annual maximum tab which will change the display to that shown in Figure
7.17. Using the drop down menu in Figure 7.17 the User can select to display the AMAX
data in terms of Estimated Flow, Water Level or Staff Gauge Reading.
Figure 7.16: Screen Showing PCDs for Pivotal Site
72
Figure 7.17: Screen Showing AMAX Series for Pivotal Site

There may be certain instances where experienced Users have their own AMAX series for
non-FSU stations, based on records acquired independently of the FSU System, and/or
through revision to rating curves etc. In such instances the pivotal site selection process can
be over-ridden and a non-FSU AMAX series uploaded into the System by selecting the
icon. However any such single-site AMAX series will only be available to the individual
User who uploads it and only for the purposes of the current flood estimation. The decision to
use non-FSU AMAX data will be recorded in the audit trail report.
Selecting the
icon will open the dialogue box shown in Figure 7.18. The User should paste
the required AMAX series in to the upper window and enter in the lower window their reason
for using a non-FSU AMAX series before clicking save to complete the upload. AMAX
series for upload should be in the format (dd-mm-yyyy, numeric value with no spaces) with
each data pair on a new line e.g.
20-07-2012,10.3
15-10-2012,10.7
etc.
The User will then be asked to select a node along the river network to which these values
will be assigned. This node should be close to the actual location where the Amax values
were recorded. The Amax values will then be linked to the PCD values for the selected node.
73
Figure 7.18: Non-FSU AMAX Series Upload
7.3 QMED Estimation (Ungauged Subject Site)

QMED is the index flood used in the FSU methodologies. The index flood is defined as the
median of all floods in the annual maximum (AMAX) series for a given location.
Within the FSU Web Portal QMED can be calculated using either the whole AMAX series
held on the FSU Web Portal for the pivotal site, the last 20 years of records, or a specific
segment of the FSU record. Alternatively a User supplied value can be used e.g. to
incorporate an allowance for climate change. The QMED calculation window is illustrated in
Figure 7.19, the selection of what data series to base the data transfer on is made via the drop
down menu.
The FSU methodology as applied in the FSU Web Portal allows the User to adjust the urban
adjustment factor applied to the QMED estimation from a standard value of 1.482 to a value
that is more appropriate to the catchment of the subject site.
Once the Calculate QMED button is clicked the FSU Web Portal will calculate QMED for
the subject site based on its PCDs and the data held for the pivotal site. It will display the
results in the accordion window as shown in Figure 7.20. The User then has to decide which
of the two options available for completing the data transfer between the pivotal site and the
subject site they wish to apply by selecting the appropriate method in the Hardness of data
transfer menu.
74
Figure 7.19: Initial QMED Estimation Window
Figure 7.20: QMED Data Transfer Configuration Window
75

Selecting Accept adjusted estimate applies an adjustment factor derived from the ratio of
the gauged estimate of QMED to the catchment descriptor estimate of QMED at the pivotal
site during the data transfer. This is known as a hard data transfer. The User can however
override this and choose to undertake an unadjusted data transfer. In this case the pivotal site
analysis is disallowed from influencing the QMED estimation at the subject site and hence it
is solely based on its PCDs. Consequently the User will be prompted to record their reason
for overriding the default data transfer regime.
Clicking on proceed, circled in blue in Figure 7.20 will display the pop-up message shown
in Figure 7.21 and pressing Accept will confirm acceptance of the estimated QMED values.
Figure 7.21: Confirmation of Acceptance of QMED Estimation
7.4 Single-site Flood Frequency Analysis (Gauged Subject Site)

Single-site Flood Frequency Analysis is a statistical analysis of flood data for a particular
gauged location. It is sometimes known as a single-site analysis and is only possible at
locations where recorded time-series data exists. It is a method used to derive flood growth
curves and frequency curves so that peak flows can be calculated from QMED. When the
subject site is a gauged location the FSU Web Portal will by default take the User to this
stage of the Flood Frequency Analysis since QMED is already available from the gauged data
and does not have to be estimated, Figure 7.22.
76
Figure 7.22: QMED Estimation for Gauged Location

The Single-site Flood Frequency Analysis input window is illustrated in Figure 7.23 and
requires the User to input the return period for which the analysis is required. [Note: It is only
possible to undertake a single-site analysis for events with a return period of less than the
record length at the gauge. If the return period is higher than the record length of the gauge, a
pooled or combined single site/pooled analysis is required (refer to Section 7.5).]
77
Figure 7.23: Single-site Flood Frequency Analysis Input Window

Once the required return period has been specified clicking on the
icon will generate a
flood frequency diagram as shown in Figure 7.24. If the specified return period is longer than
the AMAX record length at the site the error message shown in Figure 7.25 will be displayed
and the User will be asked if they wish to continue to pooled/combined analysis or cancel and
select lower return period.
78
Figure 7.24: Flood Frequency Diagram
Figure 7.25: Error Message for AMAX Length < Required Return Period
79

The statistical distribution to be shown on the flood frequency diagram can be selected from
the drop down menu, available options are;
Gumbel (EV1)
Generalised Extreme Value (GEV)
Logistic (LO)
Generalised Logistic (GLO)
2 parameter log-normal (LN2)
3 parameter log-normal (LN3)
[Note: FSU WP 2.2 research indicated that in general the EV1 and LN2 distributions worked
best for gauged locations, while the GEV and GLO distributions worked best for ungauged
locations].
Users can also switch between displaying results in terms of return period or annual
exceedance probability by checking or un-checking the adjacent checkbox.
If the distribution has an upper bound smaller than 150% of the largest AMAX value, a
warning will be displayed suggesting that the User adopts a different distribution or applies a
low outlier cut-off.
Once satisfied with the fit of the statistical distribution click on Accept to accept the results
of the analysis and move to the next stage, Pooled Analysis or go straight to Review Results.
7.5 Pooled Flood Frequency Analysis (Ungauged sites or insufficient

record length)
Where the record length at a gauged site is not of sufficient length for estimation of the
required return period flows or there is no gauging data available, pooling is required to avoid
undue reliance on a single-site flood frequency curve at long return periods. Pooling is used
for subject sites that are either ungauged locations or gauged locations where the required
return period is greater than the number of observed AMAX values. This is the default stage
a User is taken to when the subject site is an ungauged location. The initial input screen is
shown in Figure 7.26.
80
Figure 7.26: Pooled Frequency Analysis Home Page (Ungauged Location)

The options available to a User at this stage depend on whether the subject site is a gauged
location with AMAX record length greater than the required return period or not. If the
preceding condition is met two options are available, perform a pooled analysis or click
to
skip the pooled analysis.
If the subject site is ungauged, the User only has the option of performing a pooled analysis.
After clicking on 'Perform pooled analysis' the User will be asked to confirm or amend the
principal return period of interest, Figure 7.27. If the return period is less than the record
length available for a gauged location the warning shown in Figure 7.28 will be displayed and
the User given the option of changing the return period, cancelling or continuing.
81
Figure 7.27: Return Period Entry for Pooled Analysis
Figure 7.28: Warning Where Return Period is Less Than AMAX Length
82

Once the target return period has been confirmed the User is then required to select the
pooling method which can be either Euclidean or Geographical as illustrated in Figure 7.29;
Euclidean pooling identifies suitable donor stations on the basis of hydrological

similarity, which for FSU purposes is measured in terms of similarity of size-wetnesspermeability.
Geographical pooling identifies suitable donor sites on the basis of geographical
proximity of their catchment centroids.
Figure 7.29: Selection of Pooling Scheme

Once the pooling scheme has been confirmed a table of gauging stations known as the
pooling group will be displayed as shown in Figure 7.30. Pooled stations are shown in
yellow, while auxiliary stations are presented in beige. If Geographic pooling is chosen, the
distance between the pooling group station and the subject site is listed in the second column
in the table shown in Figure 7.30, if the Euclidean pooling scheme has been selected the
Euclidean Distance measure for each station in the pooling group will be shown here instead.
Euclidean distance is a measure of hydrological similarity and as a rule-of thumb a value <1.0
indicates High similarity, while a value >2.0 indicates Low similarity, however these values
may vary depending on the characteristics of the subject catchment.
Whilst the suggested stations for the pooling group will have been selected by the FSU Web
Portal as being either the geographically or hydrologically most similar to the subject site it is
possible that some of the characteristics may be significantly different to those of the subject
catchment. Consequently the FSU Web Portal includes a mechanism for removing such
83

stations where the User considers the differences could result in that catchment having a
different flood growth behaviour to the subject site. Such behaviour is most likely to be
attributable to differences in URBEXT, FARL and ARTDRAIN2. Stations can be removed
from the pooling group by clicking on the X beside a pooled station, however if the User
elects to exclude a pooled station or stations they will be prompted to specify one of the
following two reasons for their decision;
Catchment is physically very different to that under study and L-Moment ratios
indicate that the catchment flood behaviour is discordant.
Station is discordant from the pool.
Selecting the first reason will open a further dialogue box displaying the nine principal
attributes (AREA, SAAR, BFIsoil, FARL, DRAIND, S1085, ARTDRAIN2, URBEXT and
Distance) and asking the User to select which is considered to be substantially different.
Selecting the second reason will cause a message to appear stating that this is not a valid
reason at this stage of the analysis.
After this process any excluded stations will be removed from the yellow pooled table and
placed in a separate table below. If the top auxiliary station now allows the pooling group to
meet the 5T rule it will be added to the pooled list, if not further auxiliary stations will be
added until the 5T rule is satisfied and further stations will be added as auxiliary stations so
that the 7T rule is still achieved.
Figure 7.30: Typical Table of Pooled Stations
84

The CATs of the subject site and the FSU stations in the pooling group can be viewed as
shown in Figure 7.31 by clicking on the CATs tab, the CATs of the subject site are marked
by a blue cross. CATs for stations in the pooling group are marked by a black disc while
stations in the auxiliary group are marked by a black ring. Again the User can zoom in on a
particular CAT by clicking on it, while hovering over the grey dots on the CATs in a zoomed
in view will display a pop-up giving the catchment number and value of the relevant CAT.
The filter button on the CAT graphs will change the display to show only the CATs for
pooled, auxiliary and excluded stations, Figure 7.32.
Figure 7.31: CATs for Subject Site and FSU Station in Pooling Group
85
Figure 7.32: Filtered Display of CATs

Clicking on Accept Group in any of the views shown in Figure 7.30, Figure 7.31 or Figure
7.32 will open a new window to graphically display the results of the pooling analysis in
terms of flood growth curve, the relationship between L-CV and L-skewness and the Lkurtosis / L-skewness relationship as shown in Figure 7.33. The L-moment diagrams provide
a useful visual aid to assist the User in choosing which distribution best describes the flood
growth curve. [Note: FSU WP 2.2 research indicated that in general the EV1 and LN2
distributions worked best for gauged locations, while the GEV and GLO distributions worked
best for ungauged locations.]
Also on the SOM view a new layer will be displayed showing the catchments for the pooled
stations in grey, the pooled stations as black dots and the subject site as a blue cross. At this
stage the User has four options;
Summary will open a further window as shown in Figure 7.34
Check Individual Stations - will open a further window enabling the User to
compare the flood frequency curves for each station individually, Figure 7.35
Back - will close the window and return the User to the last screen
Accept - will cause the Portal to move to the next stage.
The statistical distribution used can be changed by selecting the appropriate distribution from
the drop down menu at the top of the Pooling Diagrams window.
86
Figure 7.33: Results of Pooling Analysis
Figure 7.34: Pooling Group Summary
87
Figure 7.35: Individual Station Review

In the individual station review window the station under review can be changed by selecting
the appropriate station from the drop down menu as can the statistical distribution used in the
plot.
7.6 Combined Analysis

FSU Technical Research Report, Volume 2 indicates that where sufficient data exists and the
required return period is short, QMED may be determined from at-site data i.e. by means of a
single site analysis. However in some cases while adequate at-site data may exist,
interpretation can still be problematic if the probability plot is of unusual shape. In such
cases, it may be necessary to combine at-site and pooled approaches to determine an
acceptable growth curve. In addition for estimating floods of long return period at a gauged
site a combined at-site/pooled approach is recommended.
A combined analysis is in effect a compromise between the results of the single site analysis
and a corresponding pooled analysis for the subject site. Within the FSU Web Portal this is
achieved by taking a weighted-average of the single site and pooled L-Moment ratios where
the default weighting attached to the results of the single site analysis is defined by the ratio
of the number of annual maxima at the subject site to the target return period. Where the
required return period is less than the record length of the AMAX series the weighting
applied to the single site analysis defaults to unity while for an ungauged site the weighting is
zero.
88

icon, the
The combined analysis home page is shown in Figure 7.36. By clicking on the
User is presented with a summary of the outputs of the preceding analysis for review, Figure
7.37. The content of the review diagram will vary depending on the calculation route
followed previously. If single site analysis was performed only the subject site flood growth
curve will be presented, and if a pooled analysis was performed only the pooled flood growth
curve will be displayed. If both (combined analysis) were performed then a combined curve
will also be displayed. By undertaking a combined analysis it is possible to extend the
available AMAX series by pooling to give a better estimate of the less frequent events but yet
relate the growth curve more closely to the actual recorded AMAX series than is possible
through a pooled analysis alone.
Figure 7.36: Combined Analysis Home Page

The plot in Figure 7.37 shows the results of the Single-site analysis, the pooled analysis and
the combined analysis. To identify which line is which, place the cursor over the line to see a
pop-up label. Within this diagram the User can select whether to display the flood growth
curve in either of two pre-determined statistical distributions using the drop down window.
The weighting given to the single-site flood frequency analysis in deriving the combined
flood growth curve can also be varied using the slider below the diagram and the Apply
button. The AMAX series (blue dots) can be turned on and off using the Filter button.
Clicking Finish will open a pop-up, Figure 7.38, asking the User if they wish to continue to
Hydrograph Width Analysis and completes the Flood Frequency Analysis session.
89
Figure 7.37: Presentation of Combined Results
Figure 7.38: Confirmation Screen at End of Flood Frequency Analysis
90
8 HYDROGRAPH WIDTH MODULE

In some applications Users will require a hydrograph in addition to an estimated design peak
flow as calculated by the flood estimation tools, thus the FSU Web Portal includes this tool to
generate hydrograph shapes at subject sites. The FSU methodology employs typical shapes
for the hydrograph beneath a given peak value at pivotal sites which are semi-dimensionless
with ordinates expressed as a percentage of the peak value at intervals along a time axis
defined in hours. Thus the peak value of a characteristic hydrograph will always take a peak
value of 100%. The ordinates of the characteristic hydrograph are scaled up by the design
flow value (from the flood estimation module) to create the design hydrograph at the subject
site.
8.1 Subject Site Selection

The User will initially be presented with the subject site selection screen shown in Figure 8.1.
In this case the subject site is the location at which the User wishes to generate a hydrograph.
Generally this will be the site at which the User has recently completed a flood frequency
analysis. Within the FSU Web Portal the currently selected subject site is indicated by the
symbol on the map. The selected pivotal site and alternative candidate stations are indicated
by and symbols respectively.
Figure 8.1:
Subject Site Selection Hydrograph Width Analysis
91

The User has three choices available at this stage;
button to cancel the currently selected subject site and reset the SOM
1. Click on the
tool allowing an alternative subject site to be selected,
2. Click on the
3. Click on the
button to add HWA results for an additional non FSU station,

button to add hydrographs for an additional non FSU station.
button to add HWA results to a gauging station will open the pop-up
Clicking on the
window shown in Figure 8.2, where the User can select the required station by clicking on the
symbol on the map in the SOM window and insert the required parameters n, Tr, C along
with the period of record and number of events before clicking Save to complete. The
parameters n, Tr, and C are defined as follows:
n is the shape parameter of the Gamma hydrograph that defines the shape of the
rising limb and peak of the hydrograph
Tr is the translation parameter of the Gamma hydrograph (in hours) and is equivalent
to the rise time of the Hydrograph.
C is the recession parameter for the exponential recession curve (in hours) that
defines the shape of the recession limb of the hydrograph beyond the point of
inflection on the receding limb (i.e. beyond t=Tr/(n-1)1/2.
Figure 8.2:
HWA Upload Window
92

to add hydrograph information to a gauging station will open the popClicking on
up window shown in Figure 8.3. Again the User can select the appropriate gauging station
from the SOM window and the type of data, either AMAX or Peaks over Threshold from a
drop down menu. The User can give several dates to allow a number of events to be uploaded
at once.
Figure 8.3:
Hydrograph Upload Window
8.2 Hydrograph Pivotal Site

The User has to choose a hydrograph pivotal site, from a selection of hydrologically closest
sites as defined by Euclidean Distance measure (Dij) applied to S1085, FARL and BFI
descriptors identified by the FSU Web Portal. Euclidean distance is a measure of
hydrological similarity and as a Rule-of thumb a value <1.0 indicates High similarity, while a
value >2.0 indicates Low similarity, however these values may vary depending on the
characteristics of the subject catchment. An example of the pivotal site selection window is
shown in Figure 8.4. Summary data for the candidate hydrologically similar pivotal sites can
and
icons. [Note: the
be reviewed by stepping through the offered stations using the
icon will only appear once the User has clicked on the
icon to move away from the first
candidate station.]
93
Figure 8.4:
Selection of Hydrograph Pivotal Site
The User can view the hydrograph shape for the largest peak of the candidate hydrograph
pivotal stations and the subject site, Figure 8.5, by clicking on the
icon. Individual
hydrographs can be removed from the view by clicking on the station name in the box below
the hydrograph display as illustrated in Figure 8.6, to assist in selecting the most
representative pivotal site. Once the preferred site has been identified this is selected using
the
and
icons and the
icon which will display the page shown in Figure 8.7. At this
stage the User has the option to Cancel, Reject or Accept the candidate station and must
enter a reason for either accepting or rejecting.
94
Figure 8.5:
Hydrograph Shape Viewer (1)
Figure 8.6:
Hydrograph Shape Viewer (2)
95
Figure 8.7:
Hydrograph Shape Acceptance Screen
96
8.3 Hydrograph Display

If the hydrograph pivotal site is accepted the User will proceed to the window shown in
Figure 8.8.
Figure 8.8:
Hydrograph Display Home Page
Clicking on the
icon will cause the Portal to identify and display hydrographs for up to ten
(pre-loaded) large events at the hydrograph pivotal site as shown in Figure 8.9. The
hydrographs are displayed according to the rank of their flood magnitude with largest first
and only hydrographs with a peak greater than QMED are displayed. All hydrographs are
displayed in a semi-dimensionless form i.e. they have a peak of 100% at time = 0.
Within this window the User can change hours displayed before and after the peak, clicking
on plot chart will re-draw the hydrographs following any change, while clicking on
proceed will accept this pivotal site and move to the next stage of the Hydrograph Width
Analysis, which is Hydrograph Inspection & Adjustment.
97
Figure 8.9:
Hydrograph Display Page
8.4 Hydrograph Inspection and Adjustment

The next stage of the Hydrograph Width Analysis involves adjusting the parameters of the
parametric model hydrograph for the pivotal site to obtain a better fit with the characteristic
hydrographs of the pivotal site. The initial window is shown in Figure 8.10.
Clicking on the
icon will display the hydrograph shape generated by the parametric model
for the pivotal site and a series of up to 10 actual hydrograph shapes for that location held on
the Portal as shown in Figure 8.11.
98
Figure 8.10: Hydrograph Inspection & Adjustment Homepage
Figure 8.11: Hydrograph Shapes for Pivotal Site
99

The principal parameters of the PCD hydrograph shown in blue in Figure 8.11, i.e. hours
before peak, hours after peak, deformation factor and shape parameter (n), can be edited to
adjust the extent and shape of the pivotal site hydrograph. After changing the parameter(s),
clicking on the Plot chart button will regenerate the plot so that the effect of any changes
can be viewed before deciding to accept or reject the amended hydrograph shape.
8.5 Characteristic Hydrograph Transfer

Once the pivotal hydrograph shape is accepted by clicking Accept in Figure 8.11 the User
will be directed to the Characteristic Hydrograph Transfer window, Figure 8.12. This process
is analogous to the data transfer from pivotal sites used when calculating QMED.
Clicking the
icon will open a new window containing a dropdown menu, Figure 8.13, in
which the User can select the type of adjustment to be applied to the transfer of the
hydrograph shape from the pivotal site to the subject site. The Options available are;
use adjusted estimate,

use unadjusted catchment descriptor estimate,
use User specified value.
In the latter case the User is prompted to enter a deformation factor somewhere between 1.0
and the value indicated at the hydrograph pivotal site (circled in red on Figure 8.13) and to
enter a justification for adopting a User specified value, which will be recorded in the audit
trail report.
Clicking on Accept will initiate the data transfer and take the User to the final stage of the
Hydrograph Width Analysis process, Section 8.6.
100
Figure 8.12: Characteristic Hydrograph Transfer Window
Figure 8.13: Characteristic Hydrograph Transfer
101
8.6 Flood Estimation Completion

The flood estimation is completed by applying the characteristic hydrograph derived in steps
8.1 to 8.5 to the flood frequency estimates from Section 7. Clicking on the
icon in Figure
8.14 opens a further window allowing the User to view the characteristic hydrograph applied
to a range of calculated flood peaks of various return periods as shown in Figure 8.15. The
User can export the tabular data for the hydrographs for subsequent application by selecting
and copying the data into MS Excel or any other compatible software package. After viewing
the Flood Estimation Completion and extracting the results, if required, the User will be
asked if they wish to continue to the IBIDEM module where they can compare the generated
FSU hydrographs to hydrographs generated by the FSR method, Figure 8.16.
Figure 8.14: Flood Estimation Completion Home Window
102
Figure 8.15: Results of Hydrograph Width Analysis
Figure 8.16: Final Screen of Hydrograph Width Analysis Module
103
9 IBIDEM MODULE
IBIDEM stands for Interactive Bridge Invoking the Design Event Method. The application
comprises a software tool linking the FSU method of estimating design hydrographs to the
FSR design event rainfall-runoff method that the FSU method replaces. In the FSU approach
the design peak flow is estimated as the product of an index flood and a growth factor. The
design hydrograph is then constructed around the peak flow by applying a hydrograph shape.
There are two approaches implemented within the FSU Web Portal for estimating a
hydrograph shape:
1.
An empirical approach, for gauged sites, in which the hydrograph shape is built up
using widths extracted from observed hydrographs for given percentages of the peak
flow. This analysis can be carried out using the HWA software.
2.
A synthetic approach for ungauged sites, utilising a parametric function (gamma curve
plus exponential recession) with parameters estimated from catchment descriptors.
In the FSR approach, the design flood hydrograph is constructed as the output to the unit
hydrograph/losses rainfall-runoff model. The FSR design event method combines four
inputs: the duration, depth, and temporal profile of the rainfall event and the pre-event
catchment wetness. Rainfall depths can be taken from the depth-duration-frequency model
developed as part of the FSU research. The other inputs are set according to rules which
reflect some of the general properties of the catchment and its climate.
The parameters of the FSR rainfall-runoff model are the standard percentage runoff (SPR),
the unit hydrograph time-to-peak (Tp) and the standardised baseflow, known as average
non-separated flow (ANSF). In a standard application of the FSR approach, these are
derived from hydrometric data or catchment characteristics. In contrast, IBIDEM calculates
values for Tp and SPR so that the design hydrograph synthesised by the FSR method matches
that produced by the FSU procedures. The default is for IBIDEM to apply the FSU rainfall
depth-duration-frequency estimates, although the User is free to adjust the base flow
component.
It is anticipated that IBIDEM will be used mainly as a check on the consistency of design
flood hydrographs produced by the FSU, i.e. after both the Flood Frequency Estimation and
Hydrograph Estimation have been completed.
9.1 Inputs
A User can arrive at the IBIDEM input page in one of two ways and depending on which
route has been followed the appearance of the homepage will differ. If the User has arrived
directly at the IBIDEM input page from the Application page they will see the screen
illustrated in Figure 9.1 below. If however the User has arrived at the IBIDEM input page via
the link from the Hydrograph Width analysis module the screen will appear as shown in
Figure 9.2.
104
Figure 9.1:
IBIDEM Input Page Direct Access
Figure 9.2:
IBIDEM Input Page Redirected Access
105
There are a number of User inputs required before any calculation can proceed, namely;
1. Catchment Area in km2 for which analysis is required,
2. Standard Period Average Annual Rainfall (SAAR) in mm for the catchment,
3. Index of urban extent (URBEXT) in IBIDEM this is treated as a proportion,
varying from 0 to 1, The URBEXT parameter represents the proportion of the
catchment which is considered to be urbanised, expressed as a decimal. 1 is the
maximum value possible and represents a totally urbanised catchment but even
within urbanised areas values above 0.85 are uncommon as some green space is
likely to be present.
4. Threshold flow to be used in fitting expressed as a percentage of the peak (default
50%).
5. Baseflow to be used in the subsequent analysis can either be calculated by the
package or specified by the User.
6. The FSR design package option to be employed. IBIDEM allows the User to
choose between the two design packages offered by the design event method:
i.
Mainly rural, i.e. flood return period is generally longer than the rainfall return
period and design storm follows the 75% winter profile;
ii.
Heavily urbanised, i.e. flood return period is equal to the rainfall return period
and design storm follows the 50% summer profile.
[Note: In the Flood Studies Report, the heavily urbanised design package was
recommended for catchments where the URBAN catchment descriptor
exceeded 0.25. An URBAN value of 0.25 corresponds to an URBEXT of
approximately 0.16].
7. A check box to indicate if the User wishes to import hydrographs from the
Hydrograph Width analysis module of the FSU Web Portal.
8. The number of required return periods. IBIDEM supports importing hydrographs
for between 1 and 7 return periods.
9. The return period(s) corresponding to the hydrograph(s) to be imported.
10. A hydrograph or series of hydrographs derived from FSU procedures, supplied as
a comma separated variable (.csv) file giving pairs of time (hours) and flow
(m3/s). Any time interval can be used, including an irregular one. IBIDEM can
accept negative values of time, which will often be used due to the definition of
FSU hydrographs in relation to the time of the peak. It is possible to import
hydrographs for multiple return periods, (up to seven).
11. Rainfall frequency data from FSU procedures should be supplied as a .csv file
giving a table of design rainfall depths at an average point in the catchment for a
set of return periods and durations. The expected table has durations in rows and
return periods in columns.
If the User arrived at the IBIDEM input page as a result of selecting to continue from the
Hydrograph Width analysis most of these inputs will already be populated with the
appropriate data. If not the User can enter the required catchment descriptors and run
106

parameters for IBIDEM and browse to files containing the input hydrograph(s) which can be
pre-saved output from the Hydrograph Width Analysis module or a comma separated
variable (.csv) file giving pairs of time (hours) and flow (m3/s). Any time interval can be
used, including an irregular one. A design rainfall table is also required, again this can either
have been exported from the Rainfall DDF module of the FSU Web Portal or be supplied as a
.csv file giving a table of design rainfall depths at an average point in the catchment for a set
of return periods and durations. The expected table has durations in rows and return periods
in columns. Once these inputs are complete pressing Process will initiate the IBIDEM
simulation.
There are two possible error messages that may appear at this stage;
If an error message along the lines of 2 yr input hydrograph value(s) are less than 10.00m3/s
baseflow value, please adjust it means that the imported hydrograph includes flow values
that are less than the baseflow, which (by default) is calculated by IBIDEM using the FSR
procedures. The User needs to either import a hydrograph with a higher minimum flow (e.g.
removing the first or last few time steps in the hydrograph) or reduce the baseflow. The
calculated value of baseflow can be overridden.
The second possible error message is Threshold flow is less than e.g. 2 yr input hydrograph
start/end values, please adjust, this means that the imported FSU hydrograph starts or end at
a flow which is higher than the IBIDEM threshold value for fitting the FSR hydrograph to the
FSU hydrograph which is defaulted to 50% of the peak. If the imported FSU hydrograph
starts or ends at a flow which is higher than this threshold, the fitting will not work. The User
needs to either raise the threshold or extend the imported hydrograph so that it starts and ends
at a flow below the threshold.
If all the inputs are satisfactory, IBIDEM will move on to the Compare Hydrographs screen,
Figure 9.3 which shows a graph of the fitting and a table of the results. If the adjusted
baseflow still produces an error the User should increase the threshold used in fitting to
100%, which will then allow them to move on to the Compare Hydrographs screen.
The Compare Hydrographs screen, Figure 9.3, compares the imported and fitted hydrographs.
The threshold flow above which the hydrographs were fitted is shown as a horizontal dashed
black line. Below the threshold, the hydrographs are shown as dashed lines.
By default the hydrographs are always plotted with their peak times coinciding and the
ordinates as percentages of the peak flow, with the origin of the x-axis set to the time of the
peaks. These options can however be changed using the toggle buttons in the box to the right
of the graph.
107
Figure 9.3:
Compare Hydrographs Screen
If hydrographs have been imported for more than one return period, the User can choose
which return period will be displayed in the hydrograph plot, Figure 9.4. Alternatively, the
Variables v Return Period option displays a graph showing how various variables (peak flow
(Q), percentage runoff (PR), standard percentage runoff SPR, time to peak (Tp), rainfall
depth (P) or runoff volume (V)) change with flood probability, Figure 9.5. The User can
select one variable to plot at a time. There are three options for the variable used to display
probability. A subsidiary axis indicates the corresponding return period (on the annual
maximum scale).
108
Figure 9.4:
Compare Hydrographs Screen for Multiple Hydrographs
Figure 9.5:
Alternate Compare Hydrographs View
109

Irrespective of which compare hydrographs screen is being viewed, Figure 9.3, Figure 9.4 or
Figure 9.5, below the graph is a results table which shows the fitted values of time to peak
(Tp), standard percentage runoff (SPR) and the resulting values for other variables used in the
rainfall-runoff method. If hydrographs have been imported for more than one return period,
the table shows a column for each return period. The row showing baseflow (BF) is shaded
grey to indicate that baseflow does not vary with return period, Figure 9.6.
The User can change the units for flow or volume, using the toggle buttons in the box in the
top right of the screen. Flow can be expressed as either m3/s or mm/hr of runoff across the
catchment. Volume can be expressed as either mm equivalent of catchment runoff (default)
or m3 or cumec-hours. The latter unit should be interpreted similarly to a person-day, i.e. it
represents 1m3/s sustained for one hour, or 3600m3.
Figure 9.6:
IBIDEM Results Table
The last two values in the results table are measures of how well the fitted hydrograph
matches the input one. They are calculated in quite different ways:
RMSE is calculated as part of the fitting. It is the root mean square error in terms of
hydrograph width (measured in hours) for the upper portion of the hydrograph over
which the fitting was carried out. It indicates how well the hydrographs match in
terms of width. The RMSE value output by IBIDEM should always be the minimum
possible value given the shape of the input hydrograph and the family of possible
shapes that the FSR rainfall-runoff hydrograph can take.
110
The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, which is dimensionless, is calculated in the vertical

(flow) direction. It is a measure of the goodness of fit in terms of flow over the entire
duration of the imported FSU hydrograph. Values closer to 1 indicate a better fit.
Negative values indicate that a better fit could be achieved using the mean flow. This
statistic is calculated independently of the fitting done by IBIDEM, and so it will
usually not take the minimum possible value.
IBIDEM will give an error if the fitted values of Tp or SPR, or the resulting value of PR
(percentage runoff) are outside physically feasible limits. A message similar to ERRORInferred SPR value is invalid (more than 100%) will appear at the top of the screen. This
could happen when the peak of the input hydrograph is unrealistically high or low given the
nature and size of the catchment. The User should check the peak flow of the input
hydrographs and/or the catchment descriptors that have been supplied to IBIDEM.
If a hydrograph for a single return period has been generated the User will be presented with
three sensitivity options as shown in Figure 9.7. The options available are;
Assess sensitivity to Storm Duration (D)

Assess sensitivity to changes in urbanisation (URBEXT)
Assess sensitivity to changes in model parameters (Tp and SPR)
Figure 9.7:
Sensitivity Options for Hydrograph Generation
Selecting the first option allows a User to evaluate the sensitivity of the generated hydrograph
shape to storm duration. As standard durations of 0.5D, 0.5D, D, 2D and 2D, where D is
the duration resulting from the Tp value found in the optimisation are available, however the
111

User can change durations if required. An example of the input options is shown in Figure
9.8.
Figure 9.8:
Input Screen for Sensitivity to Duration
This option may allow IBIDEM to provide a useful route to generating realistic hydrograph
shapes for inputs to river models, for example in situations where a more prolonged
hydrograph is required as an input to generate a T-year flood further down the river system.
Two options are available for viewing the output, either a graph showing multiple
hydrographs, Figure 9.9 or a graph showing how variables change with storm duration
similar to Figure 9.5. The Include chart in report button will add the displayed chart to the
session report while the Return button will take the User back to the Compare Hydrographs
page, and the Export button allows the results to be exported as a .csv file
112
Figure 9.9:
Sensitivity to Duration Output
The input screen for the option to assess the effect of a change in urbanisation on the
hydrological response of the catchment is shown in Figure 9.10. This option allows the User
to re-run the rainfall-runoff method with an altered value of URBEXT to examine the
potential impacts of urban development on design flood hydrographs and peak flows. The
output is presented by plotting the altered FSR hydrograph on the same axis as the input FSU
and original fitted FSR hydrographs, Figure 9.11. The Include chart in report button will
add the displayed chart to the session report while the Return button will take the User back
to the Compare Hydrographs page.
113
Figure 9.10: Input Screen for Sensitivity to Urbanisation
Figure 9.11: Sensitivity to Urbanisation Output
114

The third option allows the User to investigate the effect of varying the two principal rainfallrunoff parameters, Tp and SPR either individually or together. If Tp is altered, storm duration
is automatically updated and if SPR is altered, PR is updated. This option allows the User to
investigate possible impacts of land use change, by adjusting Tp or SPR to represent before
and after catchment conditions, where the User trusts the FSR rainfall-runoff method to
represent a particular land-use change. The input screen for this option is illustrated in Figure
9.12.
Figure 9.12: Input Screen for Sensitivity to Model Parameters

The output of this sensitivity test is presented by plotting the altered FSR hydrograph on the
same axis as the input FSU and original fitted FSR hydrographs, as shown in 0Figure 9.13.
The Include chart in report button will add the displayed chart to the session report while
the Return button will take the User back to the Compare Hydrographs page.
115
0Figure 9.13: Sensitivity to Model Parameters Output
9.2 Outputs
At the bottom right of the Compare Hydrographs page the User is presented with three
options Include chart in report, Start again or Export. The Export button allows the
User to export a .csv file containing the input and fitted hydrographs and a summary of the
variables. Clicking on Start Again will return the User to the applications page where the
initial IBIDEM input page will be displayed and the User has the option to either commence
a new IBIDEM analysis or close the current session and exit the FSU Web Portal. The
Include chart in report will add an image of the displayed chart to the session report and
introduce a further button Remove all X chart(s) from report where X is the number of
charts added to the report.
116
10 REFERENCES
1. Flood Studies Update Technical Research Report, Volume I, Rainfall Frequency
2. Flood Studies Update Technical Research Report, Volume II, Flood Frequency
Estimation
3. Flood Studies Update Technical Research Report, Volume III, Hydrograph Analysis
4. Flood Studies Update Technical Research Report, Volume IV, Physical Catchment
Descriptors
5. Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) (1985) The FSR rainfall-runoff
model parameter estimation equations updated, Flood Studies Supplementary Report
No. 16 December 1985.
6. Keers and Wescott, 1977. A computer-based model for design rainfall in the UK. Met.
Office Scientific Paper No 36, HMSO, London
117

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