Nonlinear Response of Concrete Gravity Dams to Strong Earthquake- Induced Ground Motion.
Abstract
This report documents an investigation of the behavior of concrete gravity dams subjected to earthquake motions of sufficient strength to induce cracking. Nonlinear, dynamic, finite element analyses of three dams subjected to the Parkfield earthquake motion are conducted with the ADINA84 code. In the analyses the essential characteristics of static preloading, bidirectional seismic motion, dynamic concrete cracking, and hydrodynamic interaction are modeled. The results show that cracked zones can propagate through the cross sections at various elevations. The US Army Corps of Engineers' guidance for seismic evaluation of gravity dams compares conservatively to these results but incorrectly locates the elevation of cracking through the section in some cases. A procedure to estimate the relative permanent displacement across such cracked sections is developed using the sliding block analysis. Recommendations for further research to improve the guidance for seismic safety evaluation of concrete gravity dams are made. Keywords: Earthquake effects; Finite element analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA181616
Entities
People
- Paul F. Mlakar