Ensuring earthquake resistance of hydraulic structures in case of earthquakes

Abstract

A significant number of hydroelectric power plants (hereinafter referred to as HPPs) are located in areas of high seismicity (7 or more points) in Russia. Ensuring the safety of hydraulic structures (hereinafter – GTS) Hydroelectric power plants in case of earthquakes is an urgent task. The authors of the article point out the lack of sufficient justification for the seismic resistance of the GTS due to the fact that the regulatory regulation of the safety of GTS under seismic impacts was developed in Russia and abroad only at the end of the 20th century, therefore, the GTS that have been in operation for a long time were not designed taking into account seismic impacts. In this regard, there is a risk of their vulnerability to earthquakes. The article provides a brief overview of foreign experience in ensuring earthquake resistance of dams in operation. An overview is given with an assessment of the completeness and sufficiency of the provisions and requirements of the current regulatory framework for ensuring earthquake resistance of hydraulic structures in the Russian Federation, developed at the beginning of the 21st century. The main provisions and mandatory requirements for ensuring earthquake resistance relate to the stages of design and construction. For GTS HPP complexes in long-term operation, the application of these proposed methods requires an individual approach. The authors of the article indicate the need to develop regulatory support for the safety management of GTS in long-term operation in seismically hazardous areas.