Dams Safety and Society

This book looks at current international practices applied for dam safety assessments in developing countries, focusing on understanding dam hazards, standards, and social circumstances. It also introduces the Portfolio Risk Assessment of Dams to identify priority assessment and rehabilitation projects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the current international practices applied for dam safety assessments by examining a diverse portfolio of dam safety projects in various developing countries across three continents: Europe, Africa, and Asia. The safety assessment process involved a thorough review of 134 existing dams, comparing them to the best international practices. A significant aspect of dam safety assessment revolves around understanding the hazards associated with dams, the standards used in their design and maintenance, as well as the societal and economic factors that influenced their construction in a particular country. For instance, the standards for design floods, ground investigations, selection of design soil parameters, and design earthquakes often lack sufficient guidance, leading to unsafe designs. In cases where no specific standards are available, consultants may feel pressured by clients to adopt minimalistic investigation and design approaches, which can later reveal deficiencies after the dam's construction. Furthermore, many countries lack regulations and standards for the maintenance and operation of dams, which can pose significant risks.

To address these challenges, the book introduces the Portfolio Risk Assessment of Dams, a valuable tool that clients, consultants, and funding agencies can utilize to prioritize assessment and rehabilitation projects that consider societal and economic losses. It also showcases the effectiveness of implementing Emergency Preparedness Planning in reducing the number of people at risk.

The book's primary objective is to assist clients, consultants, and funding agencies involved in dam safety assessment projects in developing countries in focusing on key issues and challenges. By providing a comprehensive overview of international practices, risk assessment methodologies, and best practices, it aims to enhance the safety and sustainability of dams in these regions.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 179 x 252 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367335342