Simplified Seismic Analysis of Embankment Dams-Canyon-Wall Configuration

Response of embankment dams to horizontal seismic motions accounting for nonlinearities in dynamic soil behavior and for three-dimensional effects due to the geometrical configuration of canyon walls is analyzed by means of a simple numerical integration procedure. The mechanical model uses Seed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of geotechnical engineering 1991-11, Vol.117 (11), p.1802-1808
Main Authors: Prato, Carlos A, Matheu, Enrique E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Buildings. Public works
Exact sciences and technology
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Summary:Response of embankment dams to horizontal seismic motions accounting for nonlinearities in dynamic soil behavior and for three-dimensional effects due to the geometrical configuration of canyon walls is analyzed by means of a simple numerical integration procedure. The mechanical model uses Seed's equivalent linear approach and the kinematic assumptions of a shear beam in the central vertical cantilever, coupled with horizontal shear beams that simulate the restraining effects introduced by canyon wall. The resulting model is computationally one-dimensional, but it is meant to capture the main 3-D characteristics of the dam and canyon. A dam, for which recorded seismic base/crest response and 3-D finite element analyses are available, is analyzed with the proposed simplified procedure. Numerical results confirm the capacity of the proposed simplified method to represent the main characteristics of 3-D seismic response of nonhomogeneous embankment dams to horizontal seismic motions.
ISSN:0733-9410
1944-8368
DOI:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1991)117:11(1802)