Earthquake damage analysis of arch dams considering dam–water

Earthquake damage analysis of arch dams considering dam–water–foundation interaction

Wang, Jin-Ting / Lv, Dan-Dan / Jin, Feng / Zhang, Chu-Han

Abstract A comprehensive model is integrated in this paper to analyze the nonlinear earthquake response of arch dams. The following factors are taken into account: the semi-unbounded size of foundation rock and compressible water, the opening of contraction joints, the cracking of the dam body, and the spatial variation of ground motions. As a case study, the earthquake response of the Pacoima dam to the 1994 Northridge earthquake is investigated using the proposed model. The earthquake damage is simulated based on the actual conditions during the earthquake to verify the developed analysis model. The joint opening and concrete cracking are qualitatively reproduced, wherein the ground motion excitation is spatially defined based on the acceleration records at the dam–rock interface. Several influencing factors, such as the earthquake input mechanism, shape of the thrust block, and water level, are further considered to analyze their contribution to the actual damage. The result shows that the variation of ground motions along the dam–foundation interface may be the most important factor for the damage mode of the Pacoima dam.

Graphical abstract The computed damage distribution on the downstream face of the Pacoima dam due to the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Display Omitted Highlights ► We integrated a comprehensive model for earthquake damage analysis of arch dams. ► The model considers all important factors affecting earthquake response of arch dams. ► The actual damage of the Pacoima dam during the 1994 earthquake was reproduced. ► The earthquake input model has a significant effect on the damage mode of arch dams. ► The full reservoir may worsen the damage of the Pacoima dam during the 1994 earthquake.