Seismic response of an earth dam: finite element coupling analysis and validation from centrifuge tests

摘要

Variations in acceleration and excess pore water pressure during a seismic event are critical early-warning indicators of an impending dam collapse.To assess these variations,the seismic responses for three simplified model dams,based on cross-sections through a real earthen dam,were assessed with numerical simulations and centrifuge tests.A normalized root-mean-square error was utilized as a comparison index to assess the closeness between simulated and the recorded values.Assuming that the experimental records are reliable,the reliability of the numerical program was evaluated using this root-mean-square error estimation approach.Explanations for inconsistency between the two approaches are presented.The conclusions are drawn from the results of the three model dams.