49256 Flood Estimation

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): (48362 Hydraulics and Hydrology AND (120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10061 Bachelor of Engineering Diploma Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10066 Bachelor of Engineering Science OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10067 Bachelor of Engineering OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09067 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma Professional Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09066 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

This aim of this subject is to provide students with an understanding of flood estimation techniques from both theoretical and practical perspectives. More specifically students investigate issues related to flood risk, determination of the risk, and estimation of the flood flow using both statistical and deterministic techniques. Topics include: the flood prediction problem; types of point flood flow estimation techniques, including at-site flood frequency analysis, regional flood estimation techniques, and estimation using simulation; types of system flood flow estimation; statistical techniques for flood flow estimation; regional approaches; and simulation techniques.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

1.	Interpret design flood estimation predictions. (D.1)
2.	Estimate and interpret the uncertainty in design flood prediction. (D.1)
3.	Apply alternative approaches for estimating design floods. (D.1)
4.	Design studies for estimation of design flood characteristics. (C.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

• Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
• Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies

This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:

• 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
• 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
• 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.

Teaching and learning strategies

Teaching and learning strategies will include:

• Lecture content (online content)
• Lecture/tutorial sessions (in class and online content)

Active learning is implemented in this subject. Each teaching period focuses on a particular aspect of catchment modelling. There are reading materials that provide a foundation for aspects of the subject; these reading materials are provided either as a citation to published material or via Canvas. In the block period, these reading materials form an integral part of the discussion and the formation of technical arguments. Each student is expected to familarise themselves with the reading materials prior to arriving in class so that they can contribute to the discussion and to present a view point. As part of these discussion periods, peer review of arguments is expected. In addition, these discussion periods provide opportunities for verbal feedback to guide students in the preparation of their technical reports. The arguments developed during these discussion periods provide a guide to students in preparation of their technical arguments presented in their reports. Detailed feedback will be provided on the written reports following submission; this feedback will be provided in comments within the reports and through generic verbal feedback during the next block period. The discussion periods and the technical reports provide opportunities for students to develop their analytical, review, reflection and evaluation skills. Verbal feedback is provided in each block class to support student assignments and deeper understanding.

Content (topics)

The syllabus includes:

1. The Flood Flow Estimation Problem;
2. Types of Point Flood Flow Estimation Techniques;
   1. At-Site Flood Frequency Analysis,
   2. Regional Flood Frequency Estimation Techniques; and
   3. Estimation using Simulation.
3. Types of System Flood Flow Estimation;
   1. Multi-point within a Catchment, and
   2. Multi-catchment
4. Statistical Techniques For Flood Flow Estimation;
   1. Statistical models,
   2. Fitting statistical models using Method of Moments, L and LH Moments, and Bayesian techniques,
   3. Interpreting statistical models
5. Regional Approaches;
   1. PRM approaches,
   2. Regression approaches using both Ordinary Least Squares and Generalised Least Squares, and
   3. Growth Curve approaches
6. Simulation Techniques;
   1. Concepts,
   2. Rational Method,
   3. Rainfall Models,
   4. Design Rainfall and Intensity-Frequency-Duration,
   5. Impacts of Antecedent Moisture Conditions,
   6. Alternative Catchment Models for Design Flood Flow Estimation,
   7. Parameter estimation for design conditions, and
   8. Interpretation of simulation predictions.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Assignment 1

Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1
Type:	Report
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%

Assessment task 2: Assignment 2

Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1
Type:	Report
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%

Assessment task 3: Assignment 3

Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1
Type:	Report
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%

Assessment task 4: Assignment 4

Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1
Type:	Report
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	40%

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Required texts

Text:

• Course notes are available at Canvas

Reading:

• Australian Rainfall and Runoff, Canberra, 2016

Canvas:
All students must access the Canvas site at least weekly for information on the following matters:

1. Specific instructions relating to attendance at and/or requirements for lectures;
2. Changes to the Subject program, namely lectures and/or lecturers;
3. Course notes and lecture material;
4. Selected “Power-point” presentations; and
5. Assignments set by individual Lecturers.
6. Additional references and related websites
7. Computer software