Risk analysis for dam safety: Pt. 2

This article is linked to a previous paper which sought to examine the safety of dams using probabilistic risk assessments and considering standards for tolerable risk. Experienced engineers may need to assign probabilities where analytical techniques fail to provide data. Thus risk is seen as a systematic and comprehensive framework for the application of engineering judgement. This paper examines how tolerable risk standards can be compared to existing practice in selecting design floods and earthquakes. The methodology is summarized and reviewed critically to assess its suitability for testing the safety of existing dams. (UK)