Chapter 2 - The Performance of Dams During the Wenchuan 5–12 Earthquake and Lessons Learned from the Event

Abstract

The performance of dams and hydropower structures during the Wenchuan 5–12 magnitude 8.0 earthquake is reviewed. Experiences and lessons learned from the seismic catastrophe of the earthquake are summarized, and comments and discussions are presented. The current design specifications of hydrostructures to resist strong earthquakes are outlined. Although no correlation was found between the Zipingpu reservoir impounding and the Wenchuan event, attention must be paid to reservoir-triggered earthquakes in the design of 300 m high dam reservoirs. Seismic risk assessment of the earthquake's main shock combined with secondary disasters, especially due to large-scale landslides, and barrier lake formation and collapse, is important in the evaluation of earthquake losses. Mitigation measures and auxiliary facilities need to be assessed, particularly with regard to rescue activities.