Seismic Analyses of Menta Embankment Dam

Abstract

The article presents some results of calculations of the stress-strain state of the Menta embankment dam after filling the reservoir, as well as under possible seismic impacts, given by accelerograms of two earthquakes observed in Italy. The calculations were carried out by the finite element method using the software package Plaxis 2D. The dam is divided into three zones according to the stages of construction. Static deformation modules of these zones were considered to be subject to stepwise change during the transition to the next stage of erection. The angle of internal friction was also assumed to be constant for each zone and subject to stepwise change between zones. The dynamic characteristics of the rockfill material for the HS small Plaxis model also are taken different in these three zones. As a result of the calculations, in particular, the residual displacements of the dam after the earthquake and the acceleration on the crest of the dam during seismic impact were determined. The results of the calculations show that the Menta embankment dam is capable of withstanding the considered earthquakes without significant damage.