Nonlinear Seismic Response Analysis of Realistic Gravity Dam-Reservoir Systems

A methodology for the earthquake response a nalysis of concrete gravity dam-reservoir systems is presented, giving emphasis at the development of an appropriate nonlinear model capable of reproducing the effects on response of all the forms of nonlinearities present in a realistic system. The numerical simulation of the displacement response history of a real-life system to a known seismic excitation has been performed using the finite element method and specially developed interface elements have been employed to model the discontinuities of the structure. The results obtained demonstrate that the earthquake response of the system is significantly affected by the behaviour at the interfaces between contacting materials.