Non-linear earthquake response of CFR DAM–reservoir–foundation systems

The aim of this article is to clearly show linear and non-linear earthquake behaviour of a concrete-faced rockfill (CFR) dam. For this purpose, a typical CFR dam model is considered with its reservoir water. Reservoir water is modelled by using fluid finite elements based on the Lagrangian approach. Free-field surface motions recorded during earthquakes are deconvolved to the base of the foundation from the soil layers for earthquake analysis. Geometrically and materially non-linear behaviours of the dam are considered in the finite element analysis. The Drucker–Prager model is used for concrete slab, and the multi-linear kinematic hardening model is used for rockfill and foundation rock in the materially non-linear analysis. Non-linear behaviour of the rockfill is obtained by the uniaxial stress–strain relation. Stress–strain curve of the rockfill is obtained using the shear modulus–shear strain relation produced for the gravels. Various joints in the CFR dam are modelled considering welded and friction contacts. In this study, one-dimensional surface-to-surface contact–target element pair based on the Coulomb's friction law provides friction. According to this study, maximum displacements appear when the friction is considered in the joints. In addition, hydrodynamic pressure increases the horizontal displacements of the dam. The horizontal displacements also increase by the effect of the non-linear behaviour of the rockfill and concrete slab.