ABSTRACT
Dams and reservoirs located near urbanized areas represent a potential risk to the downstream population and property in the event of uncontrolled release of the reservoir water due to earthquake damage. This chapter reviews the seismic performance of existing dams, describes procedures for analysis and safety evaluation, and briefly summarizes design features that improve performance under earthquake loading. In addition to the dam structure, the main structural and mechanical components of reservoir outlet works must be investigated to assure safe release of reservoir water in case of emergency. It should be noted that earthquake-triggered landslides may also affect the reservoir shoreline at some distance away from the dam.
