FAILURE OF AN EARTHEN DAM AND ITS POSSIBLE STRENGTHENING METHODS

Abstract

 This study aimed to examine the failure mechanisms of the Fujinuma Dam and introduce possible seismic strengthening methods for earth dams. The study consists of field and laboratory experiments and a numerical simulation of the dam. Laboratory experiments were conducted to acquire necessary information. For the seismic analysis, a coupled solid-fluid finite element formulation was applied. The observed and simulated motions of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake were used as input motions. Frequency and dynamic analyses were performed thereafter; dam behavior and possible failure mechanisms are presented. In addition, the seismic strengthening techniques of the studied dam are introduced and discussed.