Author(s): James E. Ball; B. C. Phillips
Linked Author(s): Brett C Phillips
Keywords: Guidelines; Hydrology; Rainfall; Runoff; Urban hydrology
Abstract: Since 1958 when Australian Rainfall and Runoff was first released it has remained one of the most influential and widely used guidelines published by Engineers Australia. The current edition, initially published in 1987 and in a split book form in 1998, has received widespread Australian and international acclaim. Furthermore, the general community has recognised the importance of Australian Rainfall and Runoff to the practice of hydrologic engineering in Australia through the many awards that the current edition received when first published. Since publication of the current edition, there have been advances in the application of engineering hydrology which warrant the updating of the current document. This has already led to the revision of Book 6 on Estimation of Large and Extreme Floods in 1999. Furthermore, the issues of environment sustainability and water conservation are increasingly requiring the application of updated or new engineering hydrology techniques. In recognition of these advances and changing community concerns, the National Committee on Water Engineering (NCWE) of Engineers Australia has committed itself to the preparation of a new updated and revised edition of Australian Rainfall and Runoff. The evolution of Australian Rainfall & Runoff is overviewed and the current on-going review is discussed. The inclusion of new information on the hydrology of rainfall and runoff for water quality investigations in both urban and rural areas, the use of catchment simulation techniques, the integration of hydrologic and hydraulic models, and hydrological aspects of integrated water management within urban areas is overviewed. It is concluded that the current review of Australian Rainfall & Runoff demonstrates the commitment the NCWE and the many authors to maintaining it as the pre-eminent guideline for hydrology and hydraulics in Australia into the 21st century. It also provides a model for other countries who are preparing national guidelines for hydrological and hydraulic practices.
Year: 2005