Evalution of dam safety using limit states

conference paper

English

One of the key tasks in dam engineering is the assessment of dam safety. Traditionally, dam safety has been assessed via safety factors. In recent years a method utilizing limit states based on Eurocode standards (EN 1990), (EN 1991), (EN 1992) and (EN 1997) has been recommended for this purpose in the Czech Republic. However, the recommendations of technical standards are rather general and predominantly focus on the structures of buildings and concrete structures such as bridges and frames, etc. Most of the provisions of the aforementioned standards have to be adapted in order to apply them to hydraulic engineering, including dam safety assessment. The process of dam reliability evaluation via the limit state method comprises the identification of failure scenarios and the identification of relevant loads acting on the structure. The most difficult task is the determination of partial reliability factors expressing uncertainties in input variables (load, resistance, material properties, etc.). The problem lies in the specific character of hydraulic works (namely earthen structures), the lack of relevant data concerning them and the high degree of uncertainty arising from their nature (hydrological, geotechnical). The paper presents basic approaches and applications of the limit state method to dam safety assessment. Limit state conditions are formulated for the selected failure mechanisms. Partial reliability factor values are also discussed.

Dam; safety; limit states

ŘÍHA, J.; ŠPANO, M.

15. 5. 2016

South African National Commitee on Large Dams (SANCOLD)

Johannesburg, South Africa

978-0-620-71042-8

84 th ICOLD ANNUAL MEETING, International Symposium Proceedings of the International Symposium on "Appropriate technology to ensure proper Development, Operation and Maintenance of Dams in Developing Countries"

2048

2057

10