| Abstract: | ABSTRACT: The fact that dams have failed indicates that there is still a risk involved, in spite of the major effort to ensure reliability. In seeking ways to reduce the risk, all aspects of the design, construction, monitoring, inspection, and rehabilitation of earth dams should be examined. Because dam classification is a central element, ways of minimizing uncertainty associated with classification need to be considered. A Bayesian approach to classification has numerous advantages over existing methods of earth dam classification because it directly evaluates the effects of uncertainties. A framework for incorporating Bayesian decision theory into the classification process is presented. |
