Seismic Behavior of Earth Dams with Different Reservoir Water Levels Under Near-Field and Far-Field Earthquakes

Abstract

Abstract The height of reservoir water is one of the important factors affecting the seismic behaviour of earth dams. A large number of earth dams have been constructed in different countries that are sometimes located in a high-risk geographical zone. The studies on the seismic behaviour of earth dams have been conducted for several decades. However, this study, considering the importance of the subject, it investigates the seismic behaviour of Sumbar rock-fill embankment dam under near- and far-field earthquakes with variation in the water level behind the dam. The ratio of water height of the dam to dam height is considered as an important indicator to investigate the seismic performance of these structures. The analyses were performed using the ABAQUS finite element platform, under 7 near-field and 7 far-field earthquake records. In this research, the changes in dam stresses, displacements, and failure of the dam have been discussed. The results indicated that the effect of near-field earthquakes on the seismic behaviour of earth dams is more significant than far-field earthquakes.