Study on a semi-probabilistic method for embankment hydraulic works

Both in France and at the global level, hydraulic works have remained excluded from semi-probabilistic regulations. As far as embankment hydraulic works are more specifically concerned, there are no formal rules for their design. In this context, the French Commitee on Large Dams initiated a research project to define a semi-probabilistic limit-state method for the design of embankment hydraulic works. This paper accounts for the work done over two years. It determines the position of embankment hydraulic works in relation to Eurocode 7. It briefly outlines the suggested semi-probabilistic limit-state method and focuses on the sliding limit-state. Applying the method to a pseudo-homogenous dam helps comparing the standard deterministic practice, the Eurocode 7-based approach and the developed semi-probabilistic method.