Dams

Anton J. Schleiss is professor emeritus at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). With more than forty years of experience, he is regularly involved as a consultant and expert in large water infrastructure projects including hydropower and dams all over the world. Henri Pougatsch was named Swiss commissioner responsible for dam safety from 1997-2004. He also served as a member of the Franco-Swiss Permanent Supervision Commission of the Emosson Dam. In 2019 he became an honorary member of the Swiss Dams Committee.

A clear and enriching examination of the basic design and dimensioning principles that govern dam engineering.   Dams are one of the largest and most complex civil engineering projects and have always been an important element in development and economic prosperity. Their major role is to store water supplies to meet the vital and energy needs of the populations, to protect people and landscapes from the destructive effects of water, and to serve as a recourse in the event of water shortages. Dams clearly articulates the basic design and dimensioning principles that govern dam engineering. It also details a three-pillar safety concept, the different types of concrete and embankment dams as well as their impact on the environment, foundation design, and monitoring and maintenance. The material is enriched with numerous examples that reflect the internationally recognized competence of Swiss engineering in dam design. Clear and thorough, Dams enriches readers' understanding of dam engineering.