A Hybrid Procedure for Dynamic Deformation Analysis of Embankment Dams

ABSTRACT A simple and effective procedure is presented to calculate permanent deformations in earth dams caused by seismic events. The procedure uses strain‐compatible shear moduli from one‐dimensional wave propagation analysis to calculate permanent deformations in the stream and dam‐axis directions using continuum‐mechanics‐based procedure. The continuum analysis results are used to identify regions of tensile stresses where cracks are likely to occur due to the seismic event. Validity of the procedure is checked by comparing results of computed deformations and tension zones with measured post‐seismic deformations and crack locations on two well‐instrumented earth dams. The computed deformations and tension zone locations are also compared with the results obtained by two‐ and three‐dimensional continuum‐based numerical analyses of the same dams by others. The proposed procedure includes the influence of reservoir water and is applicable to stable but otherwise deformable structures founded on rock or firm soil stratum. The information presented is expected to be of interest to engineers in dam engineering practice.