3D non-linear dynamic response of rock-fill dam

The risk of possible damage of large dams should be defined and reduced to minimum. It is therefore necessary to have adequate theoretical and experimental knowledge on the phenomena affecting their stability. Dams constructed of local materials are characterized by complex behaviour in both static and dynamic conditions. Treated in this paper is the problem of non-linear behaviour of the built-in materials according Mohr-Coulomb yielding criterion. Three-dimensional mathematical model is used, for purpose that the theoretical achievements be brought closer to engineering practice. Single lift analysis has been performed and the pore pressures and effective stresses have been defined in conditions of established stationary regime of filtration. Contact elements are placed between the dam and the rock mass to model support conditions. Dynamic response is based on the direct "step by step" linear integration method. For the purpose of providing unconditional numerical stability, the Wilson-theta method with the value of constant theta = 1.4 has been used.