Application of boundary element analysis for multiple seismic cracking in concrete gravity dams

The previously developed two-dimensional boundary element procedure for analysing the propagation of a single discrete crack is extended to simultaneous multiple cracking in concrete gravity dams. A brief discussion of the generalized methodology is presented and the validity of the extended procedure is verified by performing a fracture analysis of the Fongman dam and comparing the predicted rupture process with the available experimental results. The fracture response of the Koyna dam is then studied extensively under the Koyna earthquake. Both single and multiple cracking models are employed to investigate the fracture process as well as final rupture in the dam. Similar final damage involving complete separation of the crest block of the dam is predicted, irrespective of whether single or multiple crack propagation models are employed. In relation to the phenomenon of hydrodynamic uplift pressure within propagating cracks, openings of the crack on the upstream face of the dam are examined in particular. The results indicate that this phenomenon is not expected to be significant during the crack development phase, and hence unlikely to affect the final rupture characteristics of dams undergoing strong earthquake excitation.