Comparisons of Computed and Instrumented Seismic Data for an Earth Dam

Abstract

Computed seismic responses of an earth dam founded on alluvial deposits are compared with the instrumented data. Three numerical models, in increasing order of complexity, are used to analyze the dam response. The computed results from each of the three numerical models are compared with the instrumented data at the dam site. The computer programs used are SHAKE, SHAKEM, and FLAC. These computer programs are widely used for seismic analysis in dam engineering practice. Vibration characteristics of the dam based on measured wave forms and numerical models are included. Practical implications of the results in dam engineering practice are included.