Shaking table model tests of composite reinforcement aseismic measure for high earth rockfill dam and its application

Abstract

The seismic safety of high earth rockfill dam is a prominent problem in hydropower development in strong earthquake area of Western China. Based on a summary of advantages and disadvantages of previous aseismic measures for high earth rockfill dam, a patented technology on the composite reinforcement aseismic measure (abbr. CRAM) for high earth rockfill dam was invented by the authors. In order to verify the aseismic effect of the CRAM, the comparative model tests were carried out by large-scale shaking table. The results showed that the CRAM had an inhibition effect on the acceleration response; the CRAM can suppress effectively the loosening and sliding of rockfill at the dam crest, and decrease the earthquake-induced permanent deformation. With the increase of the input peak acceleration, the effect of the CRAM was more obvious on decreasing the residual dam crest settlement. Finally, the engineering application of the CRAM in the aseismic design of Lianghekou gravelly soil core rockfill dam with a dam height of 295 m in China was introduced.