Dynamic Testing and Numerical Correlation Studies For Folsom Dam
Abstract
It is widely recognized that full-scale dynamic testing produces a wealth of useful information in the context of seismic performance evaluation studies of concrete dams. These types of tests can be used not only to determine the main characteristics of the dynamic response of the structure, but can also provide information to assess the relative importance of interaction mechanisms involving the dam, the impounded reservoir, and the underlying foundation region. The information gathered by dynamic full-scale tests can also be used to assess the limitations of the different numerical models that could be employed to quantify the response of the system under severe seismic excitations. This report describes a research study conducted by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center consisting of a series of field tests and numerical analyses performed on Folsom Dam, California, at the request of the U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento. Ambient tests and forced vibration were conducted to determine the main dynamic characteristics of the dam-foundation-reservoir system. Numerical studies of the observed response behavior were performed using 2D and 3D models of the system. This report describes these experimental and modeling efforts and discusses the comparison between the critical response features derived from observed and computed results. The results from this study complement and validate the results from other previous and current technical studies conducted on Folsom Dam, and they will effectively contribute toward a more accurate assessment of the seismic performance of this critical structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA446669
Entities
People
- Enrique E. Matheu
- John F. Hall
- Michael K. Sharp
- Vincent P. Chiarito
- Ziyad Duron
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center