A unified approach for the Catalan matrices by using Riordan arrays

We study generalized Catalan matrices based on the Riordan array and Fuss-Catalan numbers. A unified combinatorial interpretation for the entries of the generalized Catalan matrices is presented by means of m-Dyck paths. Some properties and examples of the generalized Catalan matrices are given including a new convolution formula for the generalized Catalan numbers. Finally, we present applications of generalized Catalan matrices to the problems in counting the hill-free and lower peak-free m-Dyck paths.