Seismic response analysis of face slabs in concrete face rockfill dams

ABSTRACT

The seismic behavior of the concrete slab in concrete-faced rockfill dams (CFRD) is investigated, considering concrete slab-cushion layer interface effect. The interface is simulated by an advanced constitutive model capable of simulating the complex behavior of soil–structure interfaces such as particle breakage, stress-dilatancy, stress-hardening, cyclic accumulative contraction, and stress degradation. Stage construction and reservoir impoundment of the dam are simulated and the dam is subjected to two earthquake records. The concrete slab responses under static and dynamic conditions are examined, and the effects of reservoir water level, interface roughness, and the interface modeling approach on the concrete slab response are investigated.

KEYWORDS:

• Concrete-faced rockfill dam
• soil–structure interface
• concrete face slab
• static response analysis
• earthquake ground motion analysis
• interface roughness

Acknowledgments

The authors like to acknowledge the financial support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The authors would also like to express their profound gratitude to Mr. Doré Richard from Hydro-Québec for his assistance in providing the field observation data.