Experimental and numerical seismic investigations of the Three Gorges dam

Abstract The Three Gorges dam project in China is the largest water conservancy project ever built in the world and is also currently the world’s largest construction project [China Yangtze Three Gorges Project Cooperation. A brief introduction on the Three Gorges project on the Yangtze River; 1999. http://www.nickdw.com/3-gorges/DOCS/1999.htm ]. A seismic analysis of the powerhouse monolith of the Three Gorges dam is performed through model testing at a geometric scale of 1:100 on a shaking table and numerical simulation using a three-dimensional finite element model of the structure. It is observed from this combined experimental and numerical study that the powerhouse monolith has a relatively high capability for earthquake resistance and satisfies the seismic design requirements of the national code of China [Ministry of Hydraulics and Hydroelectrics. National standard of the People’s Republic of China SDJ10-78: seismic design code of hydraulic structures; 1978]. This study also shows that the seismic responses calculated from the three-dimensional finite element model are in good agreement with those obtained from the model test on the shaking table for the case of an empty reservoir and rigid foundation. The outcome of this study should be of interest and use to professionals involved in the design of large gravity dams.