Nonlinear dynamic analysis of arch dams with considering the effects of nonhomogeneity and discontinuities of foundation rock

The effects of dam-foundation interaction on the dynamic response of dam–reservoir–foundation system subjected to non-homogenous material properties on foundation rock and changes in contact characteristics of baserock discontinuities are investigated by using the finite element approach in this paper. A concrete arch dam ischosen as a numerical example and the Taft Lincoln School records of the California earthquake in 1952 is selected as a ground motion. In this regard, the proper modeling of truncated boundary conditions at far-end of rock foundation and reservoir fluid domain, as well as correct applying of in-situ stresses for foundation rock is important. In the current study, with study of some existing open source software, a FORTRAN language, nonlinear Finite Element program is developed and is used after assessment. The analysisresults revealed the essential role of modeling non-homogeneity, discontinuities andboundary conditions of foundation rock medium under seismic excitation

Keywords:

Concrete arch dam , Non-homogeneous and discontinuous rock foundation , Nonlinear finite element dynamic analysis , Boundary conditions , in-situ stress