Theoretical framework for dam safety risk assessment for Vietnam

In Vietnam, dam safety assessment is currently undertaken using a standards-based approach. This traditional approach plays a key role in the design of new dams, as well as the safety assessment of existing dams. However, this approach has limitations in terms of indirectly assessing dam failures as well as addressing input uncertainties. In recent years, many developed countries have moved towards a risk-based approach in dam safety management. This approach overcomes the weaknesses of traditional approaches to dam safety evaluation; to serve this new model of practice, various dam safety assessment tools have been created. Vietnam is currently lacking regulations and guidelines on dam safety risk assessment, making research in this area a priority in order to see any future application of dam safety risk assessment in Vietnam. In this paper, an overview of dam safety assessment in Vietnam is initially provided. Secondly, best practice in dam safety risk assessment in the global context is investigated. Finally, a theoretical framework for dam safety risk assessment in Vietnam is proposed