ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: The main steps of risk assessment procedures are discussed in relationship to Italian dams. A synthetic framework of Italian dams, characterized by different years of construction, is illustrated. A quantitative risk analysis may be performed for environmental loads that could be described by probability of occurrence. Looking to the dam structures each dam represents a prototype and it is not easy to quantify the probability of failure. Risk analysis may be useful to optimize all the activities usually performed in a dam safety program. Risk evaluation, perception and acceptance directly involve population living downstream which is not used to accept probability concepts and consequently is not ready to accept any amount of risk. Risk management is actually performed by emergency plans, but it should be developed looking to improve communication to the population. People often do not know the efforts of experts involved in dam safety programs, both from the operators and from the safety authority, according to existing regulations.