Risk Management for Dam Rehabilitation Projects-Paper

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Dam rehabilitation projects face unique technical, construction, and operational risks that can significantly affect cost and schedule. Older design standards, incomplete or outdated records, and hidden site conditions mean that unexpected problems should be anticipated—even when historical documentation is available.<br /><br />The paper recommends a proactive, project-long risk management process integrated with a “Total Design and Construction” approach. Owners, engineers, contractors, permit specialists, and experienced practitioners should work together from planning through construction. Early collaboration can identify issues before they become costly, improve constructability, and prevent communication gaps between design and construction teams.<br /><br />Risk management typically involves four steps: identify and categorize risks, analyze and prioritize them, develop mitigation measures, and monitor and update them. Risks may be technical (such as geology, seismic conditions, or differing site conditions), construction-related (such as labor shortages, incomplete schedules, or inadequate quality assurance), or external (such as permitting delays and regulatory changes). A living risk register records each risk’s likelihood, potential impact, responsible party, mitigation actions, and estimated cost.<br /><br />Mitigation strategies may include changing project scope, sharing or transferring risks through contract provisions, and maintaining contingencies for risks that cannot be controlled. Constructability reviews at key design stages and during construction help test whether proposed measures are practical, refine schedules and cost estimates, and improve risk allocation.<br /><br />The Isabella Lake case study illustrates the value of these reviews: input from construction and technical specialists led to refinements in foundation treatment, construction sequencing, and spillway excavation assumptions, increasing confidence in rehabilitation plans.<br /><br />Overall, effective risk management depends on continuous collaboration, realistic planning, and regular review. These practices help reduce the impact of unforeseen conditions and support safer projects that meet budget, schedule, and modern design requirements.

Keywords

dam rehabilitation

risk management

constructability reviews

project planning

technical risks

construction risks

differing site conditions

risk register

foundation treatment

Isabella Lake case study