Numerical Prediction of the Dynamic Behavior of Two Earth Dams in Italy Using a Fully Coupled Nonlinear Approach
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 11, Issue 6
Abstract
The paper deals with the seismic stability assessment of two existing earth dams in Italy using a fully coupled effective stress nonlinear approach implemented in a finite-element (FE) code. The mechanical behavior of the involved clayey and granular soils is described through advanced elastoplastic constitutive models, calibrated on laboratory and in situ test results. Before the application of the seismic motions, appropriate FE static analyses are performed in both cases to define the initial stress state and the internal variables of the material models. The stability of both dams during dynamic loading is proved by inspection of the cumulated horizontal and vertical displacement time histories of the monitored solid nodes, which become constant immediately after the end of the seismic actions. Moreover, the computed crest settlements induced by the earthquakes are considerably smaller than the service freeboard of the dams. Because the applied seismic actions are characterized by high return periods, the presented results are indicative of a satisfactory dynamic performance of the two embankments during extreme dynamic loading conditions.
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Acknowledgments
The research was financially supported by the Italian Ministry of University and Scientific Research (UNSPECIFIEDPRIN-MIUR 2007/09). The authors would like to thank Prof. S. Rampello and Dr. L. Callisto for allowing the use of some unpublished data. The help of the Consorzio per la Bonifica della Capitanata, currently managing the Marana Capacciotti and the San Pietro dams, is also acknowledged.
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 11 • Issue 6 • December 2011
Pages: 504 - 518
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 9, 2009
Accepted: Oct 17, 2010
Published online: Oct 22, 2010
Published in print: Dec 1, 2011
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