1‐D Seismic Analysis of Embankment Dams

Abstract

A numerical scheme for seismic analysis of nonhomogeneous embankment dam sections has been presented and shown to provide results that approximate reasonably well the more precise 2-D analyses in a gravel shell dam design. Crest accelerations are predicted within 5% of those given by QUAD 4. Shear stress patterns and values within shells exhibit differences between 5 and 12%, with the exception of those at the narrow transition zones between shells and core, where differences are larger. In spite of this shortcoming, the general good agreement found with the 2-D, QUAD 4 solution renders the proposed 1-D numerically integrated, shear beam model a potentially useful tool. It may be used determine the dynamic response data required to calculate deformation potentials, dynamic pore water pressure increases, settlement, and stability analyses currently performed to assess the seismic behavior of embankment dams.