Earthquakes have always been a significant aspect of the design and safety of dams. This position paper deals with the seismic safety of large dams, based on experiences with large earthquakes in Japan (Tohoku earthquake, 2011, Richter magnitude 9.0), in China (Wenchuan earthquake, 2008, Richter magnitude 8.0) and in Chile (Maule earthquake, 2010, Richter magnitude 8.8). It presents ways to prevent key aspects of large dam failure under severe seismic conditions with a focus on design instead of on earthquake prediction. This is done by considering the prevention of uncontrolled rapid release of water of a storage dam under full reservoir conditions in relation to expected seismic conditions.

This position paper is composed by the Committee on Seismic Aspects of Dam Design of The International Committee of Large Dams.

Les tremblements de terre ont toujours ete un aspect important de la conception et de la securite des barrages. Ce document de synthese traite de la securite sismique des grands barrages, en se fondant sur l'experience acquise lors de grands seismes au Japon (seisme de Tohoku, 2011, magnitude 9,0 sur l'echelle de Richter), en Chine (seisme de Wenchuan, 2008, magnitude 8,0 sur l'echelle de Richter) et au Chili (seisme de Maule, 2010, magnitude 8,8 sur l'echelle de Richter). Il presente des moyens de prevenir les aspects cles de la defaillance des grands barrages dans des conditions sismiques severes en mettant l'accent sur la conception plutot que sur la prevision des seismes. Pour ce faire, on examine la prevention d'une liberation rapide et incontrolee de l'eau d'un barrage de stockage dans des conditions de reservoir plein par rapport aux conditions sismiques prevues.

Cet argumentaire est compose par le Comite sur les Aspects Sismiques des Projets de Barrages de la Commission Internationale des Grands Barrages.

About the Author

The Commission Internationale des Grands Barrages (CIGB) / International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) is a non-governmental International Organization which provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience in dam engineering.

The organization leads the profession in ensuring that dams are built safely, efficiently, economically, and without detrimental effects on the environment. Its original aim was to encourage advances in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of large dams and their associated civil works, by collecting and disseminating relevant information and by studying related technical questions.

Since the late 1960s, focus was put on subjects of current concern such as dam safety, monitoring of performance, reanalysis of older dams and spillways, effects of ageing and environmental impact. More recently, new subjects include cost studies at the planning and construction stages, harnessing international rivers, information for the public at large, and financing.

Book Information
ISBN 9781138490109
Author CIGB ICOLD
Format Paperback
Page Count 14
Imprint CRC Press
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 30g