Study of modified Westergaard formula based on dynamic model test on shaking table

Abstract

The dynamic model test of dam-reservoir coupling system for a 203m high gravity dam is performed to investigate effects of reservoir water on dynamic responses of dam during earthquake. The hydrodynamic pressure under condition of full reservoir, natural frequencies and acceleration amplification factors along the dam height under conditions of full and empty reservoir are obtained from the test. The results indicate that the reservoir water have a stronger influence on the dynamic responses of dam. The measured natural frequency of the dam model under full reservoir is 21.7% lower than that of empty reservoir, and the acceleration amplification factor at dam crest under full reservoir is 18% larger than that under empty reservoir. Seismic dynamic analysis of the gravity dams with five different heights is performed with the Fluid-Structure Coupling Model (FSCM). The hydrodynamic pressures from Westergaard formula are overestimated in the lower part of the dam body and underestimated in its upper part to compare with those from the FSCM. The underestimation and overestimation are more significance with the increase of the dam height. The position of the maximum hydrodynamic pressure from the FSCM is raised with the increase of dam height. In view of the above, the Westergaard formula is modified with consideration in the influence of the height of dam, the elasticity of dam on the hydrodynamic pressure. The solutions of modified Westergaard formula are quite coincident with the hydrodynamic pressures in the model test and the previous report.