Lessons learned and future advancements in failure mode and effect analysis for hydro plants

A procedure has been devised, based on failure mode and effect analysis, for risk assessment of hydro plant components. This development aims to help with the programming and scheduling of maintenance activities for civil and hydraulic works and infrastructure, as well as the mechanical and electromechanical components of the powerplants. The method, which is described in this paper, can be considered a valid decision-making tool for the profession, that has already been accepted by project owners. On the other hand, the subjectivities of the methods are still a critical open issue. The outcomes of the two case studies reported allow for critical review and further optimization of the proposed method.