From design to safety and reliability assessment of torrent control dams

Abstract

To reduce risk levels in areas prone to mountain stream floods, structural defence works remain indispensable. The global efficiency of those protection strategies depends on both functional and structural approaches. This article first presents the main types and functions of torrent control dams. It then describes the design and building requirements with references to the main failure situations that could be encountered. This technical background is identified as a basis for danger and risk analysis that is going to become mandatory for some categories of torrent control dams.