International Case Studies on Using Risk-Informed Dam Safety Management

Abstract

Dam-reservoir systems play a key role for providing multiple services for the society, including water supply, irrigation, flood protection and hydropower generation worldwide. Long-term operation of these systems should be guaranteed through adequate dam safety management programs focusing on maintenance, and rehabilitation actions. This paper summarizes several recent experiences on the application of risk analysis techniques to support decision-making on dam safety management. These cases include examples in Argentina, Spain, India and Brazil. Qualitative and/or quantitative risk analyses have been conducted to analyze potential dam failure modes and consequences in case of failure or uncontrolled releases, to evaluate existing risk of each system and the impact of different risk mitigation measures. Outcomes from these experiences helped to allocate investments for dam safety and to boost the application of risk analysis and innovative techniques in different countries and contexts, but with a common challenge: make robust and transparent decisions for conducting dam safety programs in a more efficient and effective manner. After the explanations of these case studies, the main advantages of this methodology for dam operators are summarized.