Welcome to RMC-BestFit
RMC-BestFit is a menu-driven software package, which performs distribution fitting and Bayesian estimation from a choice of thirteen probability distributions. The software features a fully integrated modeling platform, including a modern graphical user interface, data entry capabilities, distribution fitting analysis, Bayesian estimation analysis, and report quality charts.
Why You Should Use RMC-BestFit
In Bayesian estimation, the values of the probability distribution parameters converge to a distribution rather than to a single best value. Quantification of the parameter uncertainty is particularly important in risk analysis because it allows you to assess the value of reducing the uncertainty. Typically, the parameter uncertainty can be reduced with more and better information through means of additional measurement, data collection and quality control, filling gaps in missing gage data, and record extension. With Bayesian analysis, we can also specify our prior knowledge on the parameters through expert elicitation, causal modelling, or regional analysis.
The Bayesian approach is capable of incorporating all available sources of information into an analysis. For example, in a Bayesian flood frequency analysis, at-site gage data, paleoflood information, regional information, and causal rainfall-runoff results can be incorporated into the flood frequency curve, which can then be used to evaluate reservoir pool stage-frequency for use in Dam Safety risk assessments.
The Bayesian estimation approach is flexible and coherent. Its assumptions are made explicit, and the analysis is repeatable and revisable. The ability of the Bayesian approach to use all pieces of information in conjunction is a major advantage over other traditional statistical methods, such as those that are recommended in Bulletin 17B [?] and Bulletin 17C [?].
When should you use RMC-BestFit? Any time you perform a risk analysis that involves uncertainty, you can and should use RMC-BestFit. Typical applications in science and engineering include reliability analysis, and rainfall and flood frequency analysis.
System Requirements
The RMC-BestFit program and all dependent libraries were developed using the .NET Framework 4.6.1. As such, the program is currently only available for the Microsoft Windows operating system. The recommended system configuration for RMC-BestFit includes:
- 64-bit Windows Operating System (Windows 7 or newer)
- 512MB of RAM at a minimum
- 2GB of free disk space at a minimum
- Quad-Core CPU with 2.7GHz (or faster) clock speed
- 1280x1024 screen resolution or higher (and at least a 17" monitor)
Installing RMC-BestFit
RMC-BestFit version 1.0 is available as a portable package (.zip). Installing with a portable package does not require administrative rights. Simply extract all contents of the portable package to the desired computer location. After extraction, the package contents will look as shown in Figure. Simply double-click the executable RMC-BestFit.exe to get started. For easy access to the program, you can create a desktop shortcut and pin the program to your Windows taskbar.
Setting the File Association in Windows
RMC-BestFit files have the “.bestfit” file extension. To have Windows automatically open .bestfit files with RMC-BestFit, first right-click a .bestfit project file. Select Open with… from the resulting menu.
Then, from the menu that appears when you select Open with..., click Try an app on this PC for an expanded list of already installed applications. If you do not see RMC-BestFit, scroll to the bottom and select Look for another app on this PC. This will open a Windows Explorer dialog. Navigate to and select the executable RMC-BestFit.exe, then click Open. When you’ve found RMC-BestFit and it has been selected, check the box labeled Always use this app to open [.bestfit] files before you click the OK button. Now .bestfit files will appear in Windows Explorer with the RMC-BestFit icon. You can now double-click a project file to automatically open it with RMC-BestFit.
Terms and Conditions for Use
The United States Government, US Army Corps of Engineers, Risk Management Center ("RMC") grants to the user the rights to install RMC-BestFit "the Software" (either from a copy obtained from RMC, a distributor or another user or by downloading it from a network) and to use, copy and/or distribute copies of the Software to other users, subject to the following Terms and Conditions of Use:
All copies of the Software received or reproduced by or for user pursuant to the authority of this Terms and Conditions of Use will be and remain the property of RMC. User may reproduce and distribute the Software provided that the recipient agrees to the Terms and Conditions for Use noted herein.
RMC is solely responsible for the content of the Software. The Software may not be modified, abridged, decompiled, disassembled, unobfuscated or reverse engineered. The user is solely responsible for the content, interactions, and effects of any and all amendments, if present, whether they be extension modules, language resource bundles, scripts or any other amendment.
The name "RMC-BestFit" must not be used to endorse or promote products derived from the Software. Products derived from the Software may not be called "RMC-BestFit" nor may any part of the "RMC-BestFit" name appear within the name of derived products. No part of this Terms and Conditions for Use may be modified, deleted or obliterated from the Software. No part of the Software may be exported or re-exported in contravention of U.S. export laws or regulations.
Waiver of Warranty
THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND ITS AGENCIES, OFFICIALS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING ITS CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS PROVIDE RMC-BESTFIT "AS IS," WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR CONDITION, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. Depending on state law, the foregoing disclaimer may not apply to you, and you may also have other legal rights that vary from state to state.
Limitation of Liability
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND ITS AGENCIES, OFFICIALS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING ITS CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS, BE LIABLE FOR LOST PROFITS OR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH USE OF RMC-BESTFIT REGARDLESS OF CAUSE, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE.
THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT’S LIABILITY, AND THE LIABILITY OF ITS AGENCIES, OFFICIALS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING ITS CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS, TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE IS LIMITED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF CERTIFIED COPIES OF RMC-BESTFIT WITH IDENTIFIED ERRORS CORRECTED. Depending on state law, the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Indemnity
As a voluntary user of RMC-BestFit you agree to indemnify and hold the United States Government, and its agencies, officials, representatives, and employees, including its contractors and suppliers, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys' fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of your use of RMC-BestFit or breach of this Agreement or your violation of any law or the rights of a third party.
Assent
By using this program you voluntarily accept these terms and conditions. If you do not agree to these terms and conditions, uninstall the program and return any program materials to RMC (If you downloaded the program and do not have disk media, please delete all copies, and cease using the program).