Risk analysis in infrastructure safety management is a crucial step toward enhancing both infrastructure safety and the well-being of neighbouring communities.
At iPresas, we consider risk analysis as a tool to improve the management of infrastructure throughout its life cycle, from design to operation and maintenance, allowing the optimisation of its capacities and the implementation of a governance adapted to current and future needs.
Risk analysis in infrastructure safety management is based on the assessment of the failure probability of the infrastructure in its interaction with natural hazards (rain and floods, earthquakes, geological singularities, etc.) and the consequences that could result from such an event (flooding, property damage, loss of life, etc.). The analysis also takes into account the impact of Climate Change,
risk prevention and mitigation measures, and the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of the structures and systems in place for monitoring and surveillance.
With our risk analysis methodology, the infrastructure owner/operator becomes an active part of the decision-making process through a set of methodologies and technologies that enable them to deliver projects that better meet real needs, adjust costs, improve sustainability and demonstrate, at any time and with total transparency, that their approach is in line with world best practice.
We have extensive experience in applying risk analysis to real-world cases, which enables us to provide capacity building for the teams responsible of infrastructure safety. Our services cover all levels from the design of roadmaps or screening tools to the implementation of the most advanced risk calculation and analysis tools for prioritising investments.
At iPresas, we work to provide consulting services for the application of risk analysis in the safety management of dams and other critical infrastructure, including portfolio management, from a comprehensive perspective and adapted to the client’s needs. Within critical infrastructure, our application in tailings dams is particularly noteworthy, following the ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable) criterion and in line with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
The first phase is the Potential Failure Mode (PFM) analysis or qualitative risk analysis. It is conducted through a workshop in which a multidisciplinary team consisting of a facilitator, external experts and the staff responsible for the infrastructure jointly identify potential failure modes (PFM) and propose risk reduction measures.
Based on the identified failure modes, a quantitative risk model is developed to estimate the failure probability of the infrastructure and the social and economic consequences. This risk model is carried out with iPresas Calc software, which allows the integration of all available information on the infrastructure and compares the results with international tolerability recommendations.
Based on the results of the quantitative risk analysis, the online platform iPresas NIRMAN is used to prioritise risk reduction measures. This prioritisation allows the infrastructure manager to allocate investments over time and make risk-informed decisions.
Drives innovation in the form of effective and efficient policies and decision-making.
Provides a comprehensive and up-to-date view of infrastructure safety.
Allows to analyse, compare, and prioritize investments from a portfolio or a single infrastructure.
Encourages the participation of all stakeholders involved in infrastructure safety.
Optimises the design of rehabilitation measures.
Strengthens legal protection through transparent and efficient decision-making.
Strengthens the sovereignty and control of the regulator and/or operator over the dam.
Allows to optimise and renegotiate insurance premiums by quantifying risks.
