Static and Dynamic Analyses of High Core Rockfill Dams

Static and dynamic numerical calculations were performed to study the dynamic response of a high core rockfill dam. 3-dimensional static analyses of an ideal high core rockfill dam were conducted using Duncan-Chang’s E-B model. Then based on the initial static stress filed, dynamic analyses of the dam subjected to earthquakes were conducted with the program EB3D in traditional way of visco-elastic model and Equivalent Linear Method. The dynamic response of the high core rockfill dam in the whole process of earthquake was analyzed with program FEMEPDYN, which is based on elasto-plastic model and Nonlinear Method. The dynamic behavior of the high core rockfill dam during the earthquake was analyzed, and the seismic characteristics of response were investigated. Compared with traditional Equivalent Linear Method, it is shown that the Nonlinear Method is more reasonable in describing the dynamic response of high core rockfill dam subjected to the earthquake motion.