ISMES: New Insights from Earth Dam Seismic Behavior

At the heart of the International Symposium on Dams and Earthquakes, held on September 12-13, 2024, at the Athens War Museum, Riccardo Previtali, Dam Safety Assessment Product Leader at ISMES, unveiled a research on the seismic behavior of earth dams worldwide. His paper, “Seismic Behavior of Earth Dams: World Relevant Cases,” captured the attention of experts in the field.

Previtali’s work, a collaboration with the ITCOLD YP working group, delves into how earth dams have responded to some of the most intense earthquakes in history. By creating an extensive database of key global cases, the study sheds light on the intricate relationship between seismic events and the damage inflicted on dams.

The research marks a significant advancement, expanding the existing database from 86 to 129 cases, spanning events from 1900 up to the recent 2023 Turkey earthquake. Each case was meticulously classified, providing insights into the effects of seismic activity on dams, in line with the Italian Dam Code. This study offers a critical resource for improving dam safety and resilience in the face of future earthquakes.

ISMES, a leader in structural monitoring and safety assessments, plays a key role in advancing knowledge in this essential area of civil engineering.