Abstract:
The paper presents a summary analysis of the phenomena of the degradation of earth dams by the action of changing
climate conditions in the eastern part of Romania. Climate change over the last 30 years has led to hydrological risks in
the hydrographic network, represented by rapid, frequent flash floods over short periods of time. The floods are due to
the uneven distribution of rainfall over the year. The floods are concentrated in a short time and have a very high
intensity. This is a major cause of the degradation of dams. Most damage occurs due to floods associated with structural
faults, mechanical faults, or hydraulic faults. This situation is confirmed by the events that have taken place over the last
30 years at a series of earth dams in Suceava county (eg. Crujana, Grănicești, Horodnic etc.). The destructive actions
were manifested by structural degradations to the dam body, to the large water drain, to the bottom emptying, to the
drainage system, etc. In order to prevent adverse events, the term "safety" of hydrotechnical constructions must be taken
into account at all stages of the design, execution and operation work. In order to prevent possible accidents that could
occur through a dam failure, tests and models shall be carried out in specialized programs.
