PREFACE 



This report draws attention to the frequent, but often neglected, need to 

 force a regression line through a known point while obtaining the best possi- 

 ble fit to all experimental data points. A simple method is described for 

 solving this problem without modifying customary computational routines. This 

 method can be applied to many problems, but is especially useful when cali- 

 brating empirical prediction formulas to fit site-specific coastal conditions 

 or when choosing from among several theoretical prediction models. The work 

 was carried out under the U.S. Army Coastal Engineering Research Center's 

 (CERC) Shore Response to Offshore Dredging work unit. Shore Protection and 

 Restoration Program, Coastal Engineering Area of Civil Works Research and 

 Development . 



The report was prepared by Edward B. Hands, Geologist, under the general 

 supervision of Dr. C.H. Everts, Chief, Engineering Geology Branch, and Mr. 

 N. Parker, Chief, Engineering Development Division. The author acknowledges 

 the helpful suggestions received from C.B. Allen, C.H. Everts, R.J. Hallermeier, 

 R.D. Hobson, and P. Vitale. 



Technical Director of CERC was Dr. Robert W. Whalin, P.E. 



Comments on this publication are invited. 



Approved for publication in accordance with Public Law 166, 79th Congress, 

 approved 31 July 1945, as supplemented by Public Law 172, 88th Congress, 

 approved 7 November 1963. 



TED E. BISHOP ' 

 Colonel, Corps of Engineers 

 Commander and Director 



