Stability of embankment dams under the effect of dynamic loads

Abstract

1. When constructing high embankment dams in seismic regions with an earthquake intensity of 8–10 it is important and urgent to substantiate their resistance to seismic loads. The present method of substantiating stability is in need of much improvement. 2. Current methods of modeling dams do not permit determining even qualitatively their possible deformations from seismic loads. The main reason that the method of modeling the seismic stability of dams cannot presently be used widely is that the stresses in the models are small, smaller than the limit of seismic compaction (alim). 3. The experiments carried out by the authors show that the principal deformations for the case of seismic effects on a structure occur in the surface zones, on the order of 15 m, due to displacement of particles primarily along the slope. The magnitudes of displacement depend on accelerations, density, and size of the material. Vertical deformations also depend on accelerations and density of the material and within the investigated fragments die out with depth, i.e., with increase of stresses (σ kgf/cm2). 4. Surcharging of alslope of dense gravel-pebble mixture (γ=2.15 tons/m3) withrockfill to increase slope stability during an earthquake can be justified only on the basis of economic calcullations with consideration of wave action.