Opening address

The consequences of failure of a large dam are many times greater than those of any other type of structure. Civil engineers have recognized this themselves, and I am most impressed by the world-wide co-operation and exchange of

information that takes place through the

International Commission on Large Dams.

This Conference, which brings together both seismologists and civil engineers, has been convened to consider just one aspect of dam safety - their ability to resist earthquake. Nevertheless, the subject matter is very wide starting with the study of seismicity, moving on to the behaviour of materials and structures when subjected to earthquake, and ending with a study of the environment and risks, including induced seismicity.