Assessing risk in dam projects using AHP and ELECTRE I

Abstract

The sources of risk are likely to exist in construction projects, especially during their operation. Dams are projects that face risks. Risk management may help to assess them. Little has been discussed about the risk assessment in dams with the use of multicriteria analysis. This research is related to risk assessment in the operation of earth-fill dams with the use of two multicriteria methods. Specifically, the risks of three specific dam projects, in the Prefecture of Trikala (Greece) are examined, using the AHP and ELECTRE I. For each dam, the most likely risk of dam failure is different. The risk due to internal erosion in dams is a common finding of both methods, when examining the risks factors for the three dams as an aggregate. The conclusion resulting from the resolution of both methods is that the first dam is more exposed to risk. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.