Change in the Precipitation Parameter Source and its Effect in Previously Designed Structures

Abstract

The impact of any development brings with it a series of changes to the environment that must be mitigated; thus, Hydrologic and Hydraulic Studies become necessary to bring solution at the design process. The precipitation-frequency is an important factor to be used in this study. The National Weather Service periodically publishes reports that include the occurrence of precipitation in Puerto Rico. Until 2006, the most recent report was Technical Paper TP-42, published in 1961 until it was reviewed, and the new calculation incorporated in Volume 3 of the NOAA Atlas 14. Owing to this change in mind, we have carried out a comparative study of the TP-42 versus NOAA Atlas 14 and its effect on structures such as bridges that were designed under Technical Paper T-42. This study has proven that there is a significant change in the design parameters obtained from HH Studies based on the use of TP-42 versus NOAA Atlas 14. Key Terms ⎯ Bridges, Hydraulic, Hydrologic, Precipitation