Comparison of the expected damage patterns from two- and three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic analyses of a roller compacted concrete dam

Abstract

The seismic performance of the tallest roller-compacted concrete gravity dam in Turkey is investigated in this study. For this purpose, two-and three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic finite element analyses were conducted to investigate the expected damage under simulated ground motions. Based on the results of finite element simulations, it was found that the threedimensional behaviour of the dam is substantially different from the idealised two-dimensional monolith behaviour, even for a dam having monoliths separated with transverse joints. In addition, it was determined that in order to limit the cracking at the base of the dam, higher strength grout-enriched concrete must be used on the upstream and downstream faces. This study demonstrates the importance of three-dimensional modelling for gravity dams built in relatively narrow valleys along with the significance of the modelling of the nonlinear response for seismic performance assessment.

The use of 3D modeling for the prediction of the seismic demands on the gravity dams

“…The consideration of the DFRI in a 3D setting was initiated with the concern for the behavior of arch dams. Such analyses have been utilized for RCC dams lacking any expansion joints [14][15][16]. Such analyses have been utilized for RCC dams lacking any expansion joints [14][15][16].…”

Seismic assessment of a monolithic RCC gravity dam including three dimensional dam–foundation–reservoir interaction

“…In this study, the three dimensional seismic response of a concrete gravity dam was investigated using the 3D SSI formulation [20]. In contrast to the general approach to the design and evaluation of gravity dams, this study represents the first full-fledged approach to investigating the performance of a monolithic RCC dam taking into account the full soil-structure-reservoir interaction effect.…”

“…The use of linear analyses tools are deemed to be not sufficient in evaluating the performance of the dam body for SEE2. A detailed study using nonlinear analyses was conducted for this hazard level and the results were reported elsewhere [20]. Based on those results, concrete with a higher tensile strength was recommended for the outer 10 m zone of the whole dam body.…”

“…The computer program EACD-3D-08 [21,22] was employed in this work. The complete formulation of the DFRI problem can be found in [20], therefore only a brief summary is given below. The equation of motion in the frequency domain including DFRI for spatially varying ground motion is presented in Eq.…”

“…However, the early evaluations of Rashed and Iwan [18] pointed out the need of three dimensional analyses for the seismic design of dams in narrow canyons. Three dimensional finite element analyses were rarely employed in the design of concrete gravity dams [19,20]. The need for three dimensional analyses aroused when the construction joints are placed partially along the dam thickness, which enables sufficient thermal stress release and increase the integrity of the dam body [19].…”