Seismic finite element analysis of non-homogeneous embankment located in asymmetric valley

Seismic dynamic analysis of earth dams is usually performed with two-dimensional cross sections. Since in some situations, the three-dimensional performance of the dam and its supports such as asymmetric shape of the valley can be very influential in the results, thus in this paper the seismic dynamic behavior of earth dam with symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes of the construction site in relation to length to height different will be examined. For seismic analysis of the dam, its model was first simulated in ABAQUS FE software and then a dynamic time-history analysis was performed by applying Manjil earthquake record in three directions (x, y and z). The results showed that the geometrical shape of the valley especially in the narrow valleys and its asymmetrical shape had a significant effect on the dynamic response of the embankment dams. It was also observed that in asymmetric valleys where the ratio of crest length to dam height is greater than 5, the difference between the results of two-dimensional and three-dimensional analyzes will be minimized.