Earthquake analysis of gravity dams based on damage mechanics concept

In this paper, the seismic response analysis of concrete gravity darns is presented using the concept of Continuum Damage Mechanics. The analysis is performed using the finite element technique and a proper material degradation/damage model. The damage criterion used here is a second order tensor model based on elastic-brittle characterization and on a power function of the principal tensile stress. The methodology employed is shown to be computationally efficient and consistent in its treatment of both damage growth and propagation. Other important features considered in the analysis are: (1) dam-foundation interaction (2) appropriate modelling of joined rock mass using continuum damage mechanics, and (3) proper modelling of unbounded domain of foundation rock. The infinite media representation of the foundation material has been achieved by using doubly asymptotic approximation. The results of the analysis indicate that the seismic response of a damaged concrete dam could be significantly different from that of an undamaged one. In particular, the analysis shows that during a seismic event, the microstructure of a damaged zone can significantly change due to growth and propagation of microcracks.