Seismic Vulnerability and Prioritization Ranking of Dams in Canada

Abstract eng:
This paper presents a method for a seismic vulnerability screening analysis of dams in Canada and its application to rank Canadian hydropower dams in order of apparent vulnerability. In total 133 dams were considered. These included concrete gravity dams, earth-fill dams, and rock-fill dams. The seismic vulnerability for each dam was determined by combining the probabilities of various levels of the seismic hazard at the dam location, with the damage probabilities to the dam-type corresponding to the seismic hazard levels considered. Seismic hazard was represented by the peak ground acceleration at the dam site, calculated from the latest national seismic hazard model developed by Geological Survey of Canada. The damage potential to the dams was represented by fragility curves. Different fragility curves were used for different types of dams. The construction periods (i.e., the age) of the dams were incorporated through approximate factors reflecting the improvements in seismic hazard estimation and dam design. The results from the analysis were used to rank the dams according to their apparent vulnerability. This study shows that depending on the dam type and construction period, some dams in lower seismic regions appear to be more vulnerable to seismic motions than other dams in regions with higher seismicity. The ranking of the hydropower dams developed in this study is of special importance for energy reliability and can be used by decision-making authorities to ensure that owners of the apparently highest risk dams respond with detailed assessments and/or remedial actions for those dams.

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