Évaluation des ouvrages hydrauliques de génie civil

Abstract

This paper reviews Cemagref (Centre national du machinisme agricole, du génie rural, des eaux et des forêts) research on assessment of hydraulic works, especially on their performance and safety. A generic functional model has been developed, using reliability methods, to represent the various mecanisms acting on different hydraulic works (gravity and embankment dams, fluvial dikes, etc.). Collecting and analyzing data on the failure of these works allowed us to define structural indicators and the rules for their assessment. Performance indicators for hydraulic works were created through multicriteria aggregation methods; various results were thus obtained. A database of knowledge relating to mechanisms and histories of dam ageing has been produced and constitutes a useful aid for consulting civil engineers. Methods and tools have been developed to assess the performance of fluvial dikes and to assist managers in planning maintenance operations. Similar research is under way on embankment dams and will provide a diagnosis tool for hydraulic works in operation.