Crack Width–Seismic Intensity Relationships for Concrete Gravity Dams

Abstract

Seismic assessment of plain concrete structures like gravity dams is generally conducted based on cracking. The responses of two types of gravity dams, i.e. the conventional and roller compacted concrete (RCC), were investigated in this study using a discrete element tool coupled with special reservoir elements. Using incremental dynamic analysis, the relationship between the seismic intensity measures and crack widths on the U/S face of the monolith was obtained. The damage accumulation on conventional and RCC dams was different: The cumulative cracking on the upstream face of the monolith correlated well to a seismic intensity measure representing base shear.