Characteristics of Earthquake Damage for High Core and Concrete-Faced Rock-Fill Dams by Shaking Table Tests

Abstract

The pattern and characteristics of seismic damage for Shuangjiangkou ECRD and Houziyan CFRD models were studied through large-scale earthquake simulation shaking table tests in this work. The test results showed that the main earthquake damage pattern of rock-fill dam is permanent residual deformation and shallow slide on the downstream slope. Seismic residual deformation of rock-fill dam, which is filled and compacted well, is very small. Regardless of ECRD or CFRD, the horizontal displacement and settlement on downstream slope are significantly larger than upstream slope under empty reservoir. The analysis of residual deformation and vibration frequency before and after failure indicated that aseismic performance of CFRD is superior to ECRD. Because of the remarkable whipping effect in the high rock-fill dam, the key parts of aseismic design is downstream slope near the dam top, where appropriate aseismic measures should be taken.