Dams and risks

Abstract

Risk zero does not exist. That is nowadays the language of truth used by the engineer. But, until now, this language is often hard to understand by the public. After a recall of the definition of risk and its use in the dam area, the report presents the seven contributions to this session, dealing with four aspects: - the alea, - the extreme scenario, that means dam rupture, - risks with dam operation, - hydraulic structures, in the aim of reducing flood risk. The main conclusion is that information to the public and negotiation are hereafter the keys of this "culture of risk" which must accompany our sustainable development politics.