An Estimate of the Equivalent Uniform Stress Cycles Imposed on the Core of Embankment Dams During Earthquakes

This paper focuses on generating a set of equations to estimate the amplitude and number of equivalent uniform shear stress cycles caused by earthquakes in the core of embankment dams. The set of equations of the estimate is verified by two reference case studies of Alborz and Polrood Dams, in Iran. Based on the findings from this investigation, an estimate of the shear stress variation at the middle levels of a dam core caused by an input motion is suggested, drawing on a few geometric parameters of the dam, a number of general constitutive parameters of the core material and particular seismic parameters of the input motion. The investigation has implications for the following areas: first, the generated estimation is a useful tool to inspect seismic stability of embankment dams. Second, uniform cycles of loading estimated by the equations proposed in this investigation can be exerted on soil elements in laboratory experiments; such experiments are necessary to calibrate the advanced constitutive models that are dependent on a loading path.