Earthquake Engineering For Large Dams

Discusses, in a unified manner, the theoretical and practical aspects of the seismic behavior of all types of concrete and embankment dams. Treats general problems of seismologic engineering, particularly the origin and tectonic mechanisms of natural and induced earthquakes, and outlines procedures for determining dynamic loadings and evaluating the seismic response and risk of dams.

Earthquake Engineering for Dams and Reservoirs is an invaluable source for any engineer, or designer, tasked with building, retrofitting or maintaining dams in all seismically active regions to make decisions on the type of dam structure required for new projects and understand the issues that face existing dams and how to mitigate them.

The hazard posed by large dams has long been known. Although no concrete dam has failed as a result of earthquake activity, there have been instances of significant damage. Concerns about the seismic safety of concrete dams have been growing recently because the population at risk in locations downstream of major dams continues to expand and because the seismic design concepts in use at the time most existing dams were built were inadequate. In this book, the committee evaluates current knowledge about the earthquake performance of concrete dams, including procedures for investigating the seismic safety of such structures. Earthquake Engineering for Concrete Dams specifically informs researchers about state-of-the-art earthquake analysis of concrete dams and identifies subject areas where additional knowledge is needed.

A comprehensive guide to modern-day methods for earthquake engineering of concrete dams Earthquake analysis and design of concrete dams has progressed from static force methods based on seismic coefficients to modern procedures that are based on the dynamics of dam–water–foundation systems. Earthquake Engineering for Concrete Dams offers a comprehensive, integrated view of this progress over the last fifty years. The book offers an understanding of the limitations of the various methods of dynamic analysis used in practice and develops modern methods that overcome these limitations. This important book: Develops procedures for dynamic analysis of two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of concrete dams Identifies system parameters that influence their response Demonstrates the effects of dam–water–foundation interaction on earthquake response Identifies factors that must be included in earthquake analysis of concrete dams Examines design earthquakes as defined by various regulatory bodies and organizations Presents modern methods for establishing design spectra and selecting ground motions Illustrates application of dynamic analysis procedures to the design of new dams and safety evaluation of existing dams. Written for graduate students, researchers, and professional engineers, Earthquake Engineering for Concrete Dams offers a comprehensive view of the current procedures and methods for seismic analysis, design, and safety evaluation of concrete dams.

Earthquakes have always been a significant aspect of the design and safety of dams. This position paper deals with the seismic safety of large dams, based on experiences with large earthquakes in Japan (Tohoku earthquake, 2011, Richter magnitude 9.0), in China (Wenchuan earthquake, 2008, Richter magnitude 8.0) and in Chile (Maule earthquake, 2010, Richter magnitude 8.8). It presents ways to prevent key aspects of large dam failure under severe seismic conditions with a focus on design instead of on earthquake prediction. This is done by considering the prevention of uncontrolled rapid release of water of a storage dam under full reservoir conditions in relation to expected seismic conditions. This position paper is composed by the Committee on Seismic Aspects of Dam Design of The International Committee of Large Dams. Les tremblements de terre ont toujours été un aspect important de la conception et de la sécurité des barrages. Ce document de synthèse traite de la sécurité sismique des grands barrages, en se fondant sur l’expérience acquise lors de grands séismes au Japon (séisme de Tohoku, 2011, magnitude 9,0 sur l’échelle de Richter), en Chine (séisme de Wenchuan, 2008, magnitude 8,0 sur l’échelle de Richter) et au Chili (séisme de Maule, 2010, magnitude 8,8 sur l’échelle de Richter). Il présente des moyens de prévenir les aspects clés de la défaillance des grands barrages dans des conditions sismiques sévères en mettant l’accent sur la conception plutôt que sur la prévision des séismes. Pour ce faire, on examine la prévention d’une libération rapide et incontrôlée de l’eau d’un barrage de stockage dans des conditions de réservoir plein par rapport aux conditions sismiques prévues. Cet argumentaire est composé par le Comité sur les Aspects Sismiques des Projets de Barrages de la Commission Internationale des Grands Barrages.