Developing and Interpreting Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) Information Under a Changing Climate

CSA Group
Standards Development Organisation:
Canadian Standards Association (operating as CSA Group)
Working Program:
View the CSA work program
Designation Number:
CSA W231
Standard Type:
National Standard of Canada - Domestic
Standard Development Activity:
New Standard
ICS code(s):
07.060
Status:
Proceeding to development
SDO Comment Period Start Date:
SDO Comment Period End Date:
Posted On:

Scope:

The purpose of the NSC is to build upon CSA Plus 4013 to set normative language for the best methods to formulate and interpret IDF curves in a climate change context. The new NSC will assist users in better preparing infrastructure for climate change by providing agreed upon methods to determine the intensity of future extreme rainfall events. For example, this is needed for engineers to set design parameters that account for factors such as peak discharge in urban drainage systems or hydrostatic loads on structures

Project need:

Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves are graphical tools used to describe the likelihood of extreme rainfall events using liquid precipitation (rain) data and statistical methods. The curves demonstrate the average precipitation intensity of a precipitation event expected for a particular duration and frequency. They are used in planning, designing, and decision-making in a variety of contexts and applications to manage the risks associated with extreme rainfall. The latter, for example, can result in flooding, which can lead to landslides and severe damage to infrastructure such as buildings and bridges. IDF curves are used by engineers, urban planners, and water resource managers, among others. With climate change being an ever-present concern, historical data is no longer an accurate predictor of future precipitation levels. Consequently, this presents a challenge in calculating IDF curves, which have traditionally been based on historical information alone.

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