Abstract
This paper deals with the ambient vibration tests performed in an arch dam in two different working conditions in order to assess the effect produced by two different reservoir water levels on the structural vibration properties. The study consists of an experimental part and a numerical part. The experimental tests were carried out in two different periods of the year, at the beginning of autumn (October 2012) and at the end of winter (March 2013), respectively. The measurements were performed using a fast technique based on asynchronous records of microtremor time-series. In-contact single-station measurements were done by means of one single high resolution triaxial tromometer and two low-frequency seismometers, placed in different points of the structure. The Standard Spectral Ratio method has been used to evaluate the natural frequencies of vibration of the structure. A 3D finite element model of the arch dam-reservoir-foundation system has been developed to verify analytically determined vibration properties, such as natural frequencies and mode shapes, and their changes linked to water level with the experimental results.
Highlights
The knowledge of the structural response of buildings following the application of dynamic actions represents a key element to evaluate the buildings performance, especially in the case of extreme environmental conditions, mainly represented by earthquakes actions, or in the case of structures located near to the areas affected by mining activities or underground constructions
This paper deals with the ambient vibration tests performed in an arch dam in two different working conditions in order to assess the effect produced by two different reservoir water levels on the structural vibration properties
This paper aims to assess the influence of different water level heights on dynamic properties on a double curvature arch dam real structure by means of in situ experimental ambient vibration tests carried out with one single-station high sensitive triaxial tromometer and with two short-period seismological seismometers
Summary
The knowledge of the structural response of buildings following the application of dynamic actions represents a key element to evaluate the buildings performance, especially in the case of extreme environmental conditions, mainly represented by earthquakes actions, or in the case of structures located near to the areas affected by mining activities (quarry explosions and other excavation activities) or underground constructions (e.g., tunnels and subways). Numerous papers are focused on the study of the behaviour of buildings in terms of seismic response of structures These studies deal with the complex interaction phenomena between the foundation soil and the earthquake input (to assess the seismic performance of the buildings) and the seismic wave propagation (transmission and reflection) at the boundaries of the foundation level by means of both inertial and kinematic interaction [1]. Dynamic analysis methods of structures are required to assess the safety of existing structures and to evaluate proposed designs for the construction of new dams that are located in areas with significant seismicity. These studies are performed to determine when structural modifications proposed are suitable and effective solutions to improve the seismic performance of old structures. The prediction of the actual vibration response of arch dams to
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