How dams fail—and how to prevent it when building them.
This volume surveys two decades of dam failures, offering practical lessons drawn from real cases and a tested approach to dam design and safety.
Through detailed analysis of failures from overflow to weak foundations, readers see how thickness, weight, and spillways interact with flood data to determine a dam’s resilience. The discussion connects historical events to engineering standards, highlighting what works and what doesn’t in dam construction and maintenance.
- Patterns behind famous failures, including overflowing crests and inadequate spillways.
- How thickness relative to water height can affect stability over time.
- Foundational concerns, leakage, and the importance of watertight joints and proper anchoring.
- Lessons that inform safer designs and better maintenance for water-power projects.
Ideal for readers of civil engineering history and practitioners seeking practical, experience‑based guidance.