GRADE 2009

The project GRADE (Generator of Rainfall and Discharge Extremes) is a new methodology to provide a better physical basis for the estimation of the design discharge of the main Dutch rivers compared to the presentmethod based on frequency analysis of extreme discharge values. GRADE can also be used for the determination of the shape of the design hydrograph, important for the duration of the stress on the river dikes, for the assessment of the impact of scenarios, such as climate change or major changes in the river geometry, as well as for the impact of measures on the design discharge hydrograph on the Rhine and Meuse river in the Netherlands This reportdescribes investigations and developments to the GRADE instrument for the Meuse and Rhine rivers performed in 2009.