Time History Method of Three-Dimensional Dynamic Stability Analysis for High Earth-Rockfill Dam and Its Application

Abstract

Accurately grasping the stability characteristics of high earth-rockfill dam slopes is the key to the seismic safety evaluation of dams. In this research, the development and application of the common methods for slope stability analysis are reviewed firstly. Then, a three-dimensional dynamic time history stability analysis method is presented, and corresponding software is developed based on the sliding surface finite element stress method combined with the three-dimensional finite element dynamic response. This method makes the three-dimensional dynamic stability analysis efficient, and the effectiveness of this software is verified. Finally, the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) dynamic stability analyses of a high concrete face dam are carried out, and the stability of the dam’s downstream slope under seismic load is studied. The results indicate that there are many differences between the results of the traditional 2D and 3D stability analyses. The time history of the safety factor, local safety behavior, overall shape and spatial position of the potential sliding body, and even the sliding process of failure can be captured with 3D stability analysis.