Abstract
This study investigates the seismic performance of the surge tank which is of the atmospheric type and constructed above the ground. For that purpose, three different numerical models of the surge tank have been taken into account. Two models are constructed to describe the surge tank with different support conditions: one is to model all supports as fixed, and the other is to use spring element for the rock conditions. The third model is constructed to describe not only the surge tank with spring element of the rocks but also the vertical waterway tunnel. Through the time-history analysis of the surge tank subjected to three artificially excited ground motions, it is demonstrated that there can be much difference between the three models of our interest according to the support conditions and inclusion of the vertical waterway tunnel. However, their seismic performances still remain below the safety criteria, i.e., dynamic allowable stress. Also, the numerical results let us know where the critical sections occur. These results could be used to develop the efficient seismic enhancement method for the surge tank.