Review on dynamic behaviour of earth dam and embankment during an earthquake

Abstract

The earth dam analysis under the strong seismic load like a destructive earthquake is one of the major topics with respect to the dynamical assessment. Damage control and the structural behaviour during an earthquake is a very important issue for an earthen dam. In this study, a comprehensive review is presented based on literature for dynamic analysis of earth dams. In this context, some significant factors are discussed such as plane stress, plane strain, data monitoring, application of finite-element method or finite-difference method, reinforcement, free vibration analysis, seismic cracks, liquefaction on dams, utilization of shaking table and centrifuge tests based on the small-scale physical modelling in order to validate any numerical analysis. To explain these parameters, case studies are discussed. It is observed that the earth dam structures had the integrated response to increasing the acceleration or displacement at the crest. Consequently, the interaction between the dam and reservoir also the foundation was a very effective factor to establish the nonlinear behaviour. It seems that the reinforced techniques are an essential approach to improve the structural response during an earthquake.