Numerical analysis of a zoned earth dam considering hydrodynamic force during the earthquake excitation

Abstract

This paper presents finite element analysis of a zoned earth dam considering hydrodynamic force during the earthquake. Geostudio software using the sub-program SEEP/W and QUAKE/W was used. The earthquake that is used in this analysis are Iraqi earthquake that happened in Ali Al-Garbi within Missan governorate and El-Centro earthquake. Haditha dam section was used for the hypothetical dam. The maximum height of the dam is 57 m. The shell was constructed from the mix of sand-gravel with the average particles diameter range from (0.24 to 16.7 mm). Three different properties were used for core material, each one of these properties was analyzed under three different heads of water in the upstream side. The main parameters that have the influence on the analysis results are; water level in the upstream side of the dam, intensity of the earthquake, properties of the core material, and the value of hydrodynamic force. The hydraulic flux and peak displacement increase with increasing these parameters.