Geomechanics and Engineering

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Seismic evaluation of Southern California embankment dam systems using finite element modeling

  • Kamalzare, Mehrad (Department of Civil Engineering, California State Polytechnic University) ;
  • Marquez, Hector (Department of Civil Engineering, California State Polytechnic University) ;
  • Zapata, Odalys (Department of Civil Engineering, California State Polytechnic University)
  • Received : 2022.09.06
  • Accepted : 2022.10.31
  • Published : 2022.11.10
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Abstract

Ensuring the integrity of a country's infrastructure is necessary to protect surrounding communities in case of disaster. Embankment dam systems across the US are an essential component of infrastructure, referred to as lifeline structures. Embankment dams are crucial to the survival of life and if these structures were to fail, it is imperative that states be prepared. Southern California is particularly concerned with the stability of embankment dams due to the frequent seismic activity that occurs in the state. The purpose of this study was to create a numerical model of an existing embankment dam simulated under seismic loads using previously recorded data. The embankment dam that was studied in Los Angeles, California was outfitted with accelerometers provided by the California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program that have recorded strong motion data for decades and was processed by the Center for Engineering Strong Motion Data to be used in future engineering applications. The accelerometer data was then used to verify the numerical model that was created using finite element modeling software RS2. The results from this study showed Puddingstone Dam's simulated response was consistent with that experienced during previous earthquakes and therefore validated the predicted behavior from the numerical model. The study also identified areas of weakness and instability on the dam that posed the greatest risk for its failure. Following this study, the numerical model can now be used to predict the dam's response to future earthquakes, develop plans for its remediation, and for emergency response in case of disaster.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, SURE Program, and the Cypress College for their support throughout this project.

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