Closure to “Problems in the extreme value analysis” (Struct. Safety 2008:30:405–419)

Extreme value analysis (EVA) is an essential part of the statistical methodology for securing structural safety. Makkonen [ 3] argued that the estimators of the plotting position in EVA should be abandoned and replaced by the Weibull expression m/(N + 1). In a rebuttal Cook [ 5] challenged this development. Here we prove by the probability theory that the Weibull expression provides the rank probability exactly. This shows that no estimators of the plotting positions are necessary. We also comment on the specific criticism to [ 3] in [ 5] and outline the foundations of the correct methodology.