Abstract
The purpose of this joint contribution is to study the maximum dynamic load concrete dams can withstand. The so-called “dynamic capacity functions” for these infrastructures seems now technically and commercially feasible thanks to the modern finite element techniques, hardware capabilities, and positive experiences collected so far. The key topics faced during the dynamic assessment of dams are also discussed using different point of view and examples, which include: the selection of dynamic parameters, the progressive level of detail for the numerical simulations, the implementation of nonlinear behaviors, and the concept of the service and collapse limit states. The approaches adopted by local institutions and engineers on the subject of dam capacity functions are discussed using the authors’ experiences, and an overview of time and resources is outlined to help decision makers. Three different concrete dam types (i.e., gravity, buttress, and arch) are used as case studies with different complexities. Finally, the paper is wrapped up with a list of suggestions for analysts, the procedure limitations, and future research needs.
Highlights
This paper is an extended and modified version of the contribution presented during the “3rd Meeting of EWG Dams and Earthquakes”, which was held May 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal [1]
While the precise time history analysis for concrete dams with dam-specific ground motion records has been the subject of much research, this paper provides a framework to estimate the capacity of dams with a novel technique
The damage response of the case study gravity dam is explained subjected to a fifteen-second endurance time excitation functions (ETEFs)
Summary
This paper is an extended and modified version of the contribution presented during the “3rd Meeting of EWG Dams and Earthquakes”, which was held May 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal [1]. Previous experiences on the application of capacity functions [17,18] demonstrated that using certain classification rules, the overall seismic behavior of concrete dams may be similar, especially towards the failure point. The objective is not to validate a numerical procedure, but to provide the best estimate of the nonlinear seismic response at different shaking intensities, as well as the failure capacity. This will be accomplished using some examples showing the advantages and limitations of this approach. A technical discussion is presented on the benefits that capacity functions can add to the dam industry and public interests
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