A METHOD FOR EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT DESIGN OF EARTH DAMS

A method is presented for analyzing the stability of embankments during earthquakes incorporating(1) a consideration of the time history of forces developed in the embankment during the earthquake, and(2) measurements of soil behavior under simulated earthquake loading conditions. Field experience, analyses, and laboratory investigations all indicate that such innovations are highly desirable in any rational design procedure. The method also follows the concept of earthquake design advocated by Newamrk in which stability is assessed in terms of embankment deformations rather than as a factor of safety developed at some instant during an earthquake. The method is primarily applicable for analyzing the stability of embankments constructed of saturated soil which is sufficiently impervious so that no drainage will occur during the period of earthquake ground shaking. As improved methods for predicting embankment deformation are developed, they can readily be incorporated in the design procedure. /ASCE/