Nonlinear response of high arch dams to nonuniform seismic excitation considering joint effects

Abstract

Nonuniform excitation due to spatially varying ground motions on nonlinear responses of concrete arch dams is investigated. A high arch dam was selected as numerical example, reservoir was modelled as incompressible material, foundation was assumed as mass-less medium, and all contraction and peripheral joints were modelled considering the ability of opening/closing. This study used Monte-Carlo simulation approach for generating spatially nonuniform ground motion. In this approach, random seismic characteristics due to incoherence and wave passage effects were investigated and finally their effects on structural response were compared with uniform excitation at design base level earthquake. Based on the results, nonuniform input leads to some differences than uniform input. Moreover using nonuniform excitation increase, stresses on dam body.