Seismic stress state of a high earth dam using the spectroscopic method

Abstract

The reliable and safe operation of earth dams located in seismic regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan requires engineers and researchers to constantly improve the design normative methods for their calculation in order to identify safety margins and stability under various types of loads. A method is proposed for calculating the seismic stress state of an earth dam (on the example of the Pskem HPP being designed), based on the spectral method, in accordance with the current standards for the design of hydro-technical structures in seismic areas. Structural and piecewise non-homogeneous physical and mechanical characteristics of soils of the structure body were provided by Hydroproject JSC of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The results of the calculations show that under a horizontal seismic impact, the dam performs transverse oscillations. It was determined that the maximum vertical stresses are observed in the lower part of the upper slope, where the maximum hydrostatic pressure is reached. The maximum shear stresses appear at the base of the dam and on the surface of the downstream slope, where the risk of loss of strength under shear is greater..