Dynamic Analysis of Concrete Gravity Dams Including Dam-Foundation Rock Interaction

Past studies have shown that dam-foundation rock interaction has significant effects on dynamic response of concrete dams. Moreover, several methods have been presented to investigate this subject such as, boundary element approach or the combination of boundary element and finite element procedures. Most of these methods are relatively complicated. Therefore, in the present study, a new computer program has been developed with a simplified approach. In this program, the dam body and foundation rock are modeled by three-dimensional finite element method. The results obtained by the present method (i.e., FE-FE approach) are very similar to the results published by previous complicated methods. Furthermore, this program is able to also utilize damping solvent extraction method. Therefore, the effects of damping solvent extracting on increasing convergence rate for dynamic response of concrete gravity dams has also been studied.