Dams or ponds classification based on a new criterion to assess potential flood damage to roads in case of failure
This paper presents a new criterion to assess potential intangible damage (i.e. human lives) when roads are exposed to flooding due to dams or ponds failure in a context of dams’ safety guidelines. Dams are hydraulic infrastructure that have several purposes, such as irrigation, hydropower, water supply, flood control, recreation, fish breeding and navigation. However, their failure or malfunctioning can pose a threat to downstream communities, and thus, their safety is paramount to public protection and economic security.
One of the most important aspects of this novel approach is the change of paradigm that represents. Instead of paying attention on economic flood damage, the procedure presented here to estimate potential flood damage to roads is entirely based on the safety of people. The proposed methodology strikes an appropriate balance between scientific rigour and simplicity of application. Additionally, this methodology, apart from its application in dams’ classification, can be employed within the decision-making process in flood risk management.
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