A New Approach to Evaluate Seismic Stability of Asphaltic Core Rockfill Dams

Construction of asphaltic core dams is a relatively novel method especially in Iran. Iran is located in a region with high seismicity risk. Therefore، many researchers have focused on the behavior of such types of dams under earthquake loading. In this research، the behavior of asphaltic core rockfill dams (ACRD) has been studied under earthquake loading using nonlinear dynamic analysis method and a new method is presented to assess seismic stability of these types of dams in earthquake conditions. Based on nonlinear dynamic analysis، the current study attempts to provide an appropriate criterion for predicting the behavior of earth and rockfill dams considering real behavior of materials together with actual records of earthquake loading. In this method، the maximum acceleration of the earthquake record (PGA) increases until instability conditions. Finally، a new criterion is presented for evaluating seismic safety of ACRDs via demonstrating curves of the crest''s permanent settlement and maximum shear strain against maximum earthquake acceleration. Results of the proposed criteria can assist designers of asphaltic core dams to predict dam stability during earthquake event