Hydrology and dams are two fields that are obviously closely related. Four bulletins have so far been published by the Committee: Selection of Design Flood – Current methods, Dams and Floods – Guidelines and cases histories, Role of Dams in Flood Mitigation – A review and Integrated Flood Management. These bulletins have essentially addressed floods, the risks they represent and their significance for the concerned populations. The present Bulletin deviates slightly from this path, adopting a somewhat more technical perspective. The text consists of three chapters, conceived to be accessible to the practitioners.

Hydrology and dams are two fields that are obviously closely related. Four bulletins have so far been published by the Committee: Selection of Design Flood – Current methods, Dams and Floods – Guidelines and cases histories, Role of Dams in Flood Mitigation – A review and Integrated Flood Management. These bulletins have essentially addressed floods, the risks they represent and their significance for the concerned populations. The present Bulletin deviates slightly from this path, adopting a somewhat more technical perspective. The text consists of three chapters, conceived to be accessible to the practitioners.

From earth tectonics and meteorology to risk, responsibility, and the role of government, this comprehensive and detailed book reviews current practices in designing dams to withstand extreme hydrologic and seismic events. Recommendations for action and for further research to improve dam safety evaluations are presented.

Dam decommissioning or dam removal has been increasingly common since the past decade. The reason for considering dam removal may have to do with the safety of dams, high repair costs, high operating and maintenance costs, or effects on fish passage and water quality. However, the decision to remove a dam must be based on careful evaluation of the alternatives to address the specific problem at each dam. The ICOLD Committee for decommissioning dams was established in 2005 to develop information that can be used by ICOLD members to respond to questions about the dismantling of dams and to provide a forum for the exchange of information . This ICOLD Bulletin is not intended as a design guide, but as a guide to the decision making process, consultation and regulatory approvals, design and construction issues, sediment management and performance monitoring. The primary aim of these Dam decommissioning guidelines is to provide dam owners, dam engineers and other professionals with the information needed to guide decision making when considering dam dismantling as a project alternative. They are not meant to be used as a design guide, but as a guide to highlighting the points of interest. The guidelines in this ICOLD Bulletin apply only to flood defense structures and not to fall dams.

Although advances in engineering can reduce the risk of dam and levee failure, some failures will still occur. Such events cause impacts on social and physical infrastructure that extend far beyond the flood zone. Broadening dam and levee safety programs to consider community- and regional-level priorities in decision making can help reduce the risk of, and increase community resilience to, potential dam and levee failures. Collaboration between dam and levee safety professionals at all levels, persons and property owners at direct risk, members of the wider economy, and the social and environmental networks in a community would allow all stakeholders to understand risks, shared needs, and opportunities, and make more informed decisions related to dam and levee infrastructure and community resilience. Dam and Levee Safety and Community Resilience: A Vision for Future Practice explains that fundamental shifts in safety culture will be necessary to integrate the concepts of resilience into dam and levee safety programs.

Written by civil engineers, dam safety officials, dam owners, geologists, hydraulic engineers, and risk analysts, this handbook is the first cooperative attempt to provide practical solutions to dam problems within the financial constraints faced by dam owners. It provides hands-on information for identifying and remedying common defects in concrete and masonry dams, embankment dams, reservoirs, and related structures. It also includes procedures for monitoring dams and collecting and analyzing data. Case histories demonstrate economical solutions to specific problems.