Three-dimensional seismic analysis of concrete gravity dams considering foundation flexibility

Abstract Concrete dams are considered as complex construction systems that play a major role in the context of both economic and strategic utilities. Taking into account reservoir and foundation presence in modeling the dam-reservoir-foundation interaction phenomenon leads to a more realistic evaluation of the total system behavior. The article discusses the dynamic behavior of dam-reservoir-foundation system under seismic loading using Ansys finite element code. Oued Fodda concrete dam, situated at Chlef, in North-West of Algeria, was chosen as a case study. Parametric study was also performed for different ratios between foundation Young's modulus and dam Young's modulus Ef /Ed (which varies from 0.5 to 4). Added mass approach was used to model the fluid reservoir. The obtained results indicate that when dam Young's modulus and foundation Young's modulus are equal, the foundation soil leads to less displacements in the dam body and decreases the principal stresses as well as shear stresses.