These are phenomena of natural origin, such as earthquakes, floods or storms, which can have devastating impacts on infrastructure, housing and human activities. These often unpredictable events pose major challenges for the safety of users and the protection of property. It is therefore essential to understand these risks so that we can better anticipate and manage them, and limit their consequences.
These represent a major threat because they directly affect the stability and safety of structures. Earthquakes, for example, pose a significant threat to infrastructure foundations and structures. In seismic zones, ground movements can cause cracks or even collapse, compromising the integrity of the structure. Seismic standards are therefore crucial in minimising these risks.
Landslides are another feared geological phenomenon, particularly in mountainous or hillside areas. They often occur following heavy rainfall or saturation of the ground with water, leading to a sudden displacement of masses of earth. These landslides can not only destabilise structures but also bury entire areas, disrupting the operation of these structures.
These are of particular concern because of their unpredictability and potentially devastating impact. Floods, for example, are one of the most common climatic risks. They can submerge towns and countryside, causing major damage to materials and equipment. They also cause major disruption to the movement of goods and materials.
Storms and high winds represent another major risk, particularly for structures such as towers and bridges. These phenomena can cause damage both to a structure’s equipment and to its structural integrity. Good risk management therefore includes emergency plans to secure these structures against bad weather.
In winter and in mountainous areas, snow and ice are major challenges. These weather conditions make surfaces slippery and dangerous, increasing the risk of accidents. Managing these risks includes implementing snow removal measures to ensure the safety of road users.
Hydrological hazards, such as flash floods and river overflows, also pose a significant risk. These phenomena can occur rapidly, often without warning, and flood huge areas, damaging infrastructure. Water management, in particular the installation of effective drainage systems, is essential to minimise the impact of these events.
Coastal erosion is another hydrological risk that particularly threatens the coastal zone. The erosion of beaches and cliffs by waves and sea currents can weaken the foundations of buildings located close to the shore. This can lead to gradual deterioration or even the total destruction of structures. On the seashore, measures such as the construction of dykes or revegetation of the coastline are often necessary to protect structures against erosion.
Beyond Asset and its MyMaintenance module are essential for managing natural risks thanks to two main functions: preventive planning and rapid reaction.
MyMaintenance makes it possible to schedule specific interventions before high-risk seasons (such as rain or storms) to reinforce infrastructures and avoid breakdowns. By anticipating the impact of climatic events, potential damage can be reduced.
In the event of a natural event, MyMaintenance centralises emergency protocols and monitors equipment in real time. This enables a rapid and coordinated response, prioritising interventions on the most vulnerable assets, thereby limiting interruptions and damage.
