Get Au Manual For Assessing Consequence Categories And Hydraulic Performance Of Structures 2016-2025

Very low – where consequences from dam failure would be considered negligible; Low, Significant, High A, High B and High C; and. Extreme – where consequences from dam failure would be considered severe.

In the event of a dam failure, the potential energy of water stored behind the dam can cause significant damage to property and livelihoods, as well as injuries and loss of life for people downstream of the dam (FEMA, 2017).

The categories used in these guidelines are based on the severity of the potential damage and loss, in conjunction with either the Population at Risk (PAR) or Potential Loss of Life (PLL). This means that either a PAR or PLL analyses can be used to determine the consequence category.

The Causes of Dam Failure Overtopping caused by water spilling over the top of a dam. ... Foundation Defects, including settlement and slope instability, cause about 30% of all dam failures. ... Cracking caused by movements like the natural settling of a dam. Inadequate maintenance and upkeep.

Failures of earthen embankment dams or dikes can generally be grouped into three classifications: hydraulic, seepage and structural.

Regulated structures are dams or levees on a site that is regulated by an environmental authority, and which if improperly constructed and maintained, could have a serious or damaging impact on the environment and human health.