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Swiss Committee on Dams
The Letter of the Chairman |
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| National Committee | Swiss Dams | News | Links | Contact |
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Swiss Committee on Dams
The Letter of the Chairman |
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| National Committee | Swiss Dams | News | Links | Contact |
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Dams are often called “useful pyramids” and are part of the largest
structures built by man. Since several thousand years, man has
continuously developed and built dams both to use water and to protect
himself against water. These structures have often been the basis of the
development of sophisticated cultures of antique civilizations. Today
and also in the future it is not exaggerated to say that dams play and
will always play an important role for humanity as they can really
satisfy vital human needs such as water, food and renewable energy while
respecting the environment and guaranteeing the sustainable development
of the natural resources.
The growth and the welfare of an economy have always been coupled with the investments in infrastructures, which also include dams. The greatest challenge of this century consists in the realization of infrastructures for the supply of water and energy as well as transport and this in a sustainable development concern. Apart from new sciences and technologies, the world has and always will have a need for university engineers capable of conceiving infrastructures such as dams in complex environments. Switzerland has a long tradition in the planning and construction of dams. Today, Switzerland counts more than 200 large dams of which more than 25 are higher than 100 m. This allows Swiss engineers to acquire a world wide reputation in the field. Since the years 1960, more than one hundred large dams have been built with the participation of Swiss specialists all over the world. Today Switzerland can be considered as a centre of competence in the field of dams with engineering teams having a large experience not only in the design and construction of dams but also in their operation and maintenance. The Swiss Committee of Dams (SCD) brings together all professionals involved: engineers, contractors, land owners, public administrations as well as university researchers. The SCD represents Switzerland in the International Commission of Large Dams (ICOLD) in which more than 80 countries are involved. These members actively participate in technical committees in the frame of ICOLD and international activities during conferences. Furthermore, in Switzerland the Swiss Committee has created numerous working groups and organizes seminars and symposiums. All these activities have the objective to exchange knowledge and experience and to formulate recommendations and scientific reports. These efforts largely contribute in the maintenance of competences and the renown of Swiss specialists in the field of dam constructions all over the world. Lausanne, June 2006 |
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