Efficiency assessment for torrent protection works: an approach based on safety and reliability analysis

Abstract : To ensure the prevention and limiting risks, protection works against torrential floods have an essential role to reduce both the causes and effects of phenomena. Decision support tools are needed to analyze the efficiency of these protection works considering both their structural state and functional abilities. In this paper, classic concepts of dependability are discussed to assess the efficiency of protection works against torrential floods. Fuzzy intervals are used to assess the indicators that describe the possible failures and the performance level of disposals. The methodology aims both at eliciting the expert reasoning process and evaluating the danger level of the protection works. The methodology is based on six steps considering both structural and functional types of failure observed.