INFLUENCE OF GEOMETRY ON SEISMIC RESPONSE OF GRAVITY DAM

Abstract

Dams are critical civil engineering structures, and they are associated with the production of energy and irrigation. Dam failure may cause catastrophe, and therefore, the safety of the dam is of paramount importance. The seismic performance of dams is crucial in regions prone to earthquakes, as these structures play a critical role in water resource management and public safety. This study investigates the influence of dam geometry on its seismic performance, aiming to provide valuable insights for dam design. A case study of Koyna Dam, subjected to extreme ground motion, was considered. Though the Koyna dam didn’t undergo any catastrophic failure, the damage that occurred gave us a rare insight into the analysis of design and analysis procedures, and many research works are also being carried out on the safety of the dam. A comprehensive time history analysis is conducted on the Koyna dam, focusing on geometric parameters such as height, bottom width, and crosssection shape conditions for three different earthquakes. The research employs a combination of numerical modeling and finite element analysis to evaluate the dynamic response of dams subjected to seismic forces. The results reveal that dam geometry significantly affects its response to seismic loading. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring dam geometry to the specific seismic hazard characteristics of the region. Proper design and retrofitting strategies can enhance the overall seismic resilience of dams, ultimately reducing the risk of catastrophic failure during seismic events. These insights offer valuable guidance to engineers and policymakers in developing safer and more robust dam infrastructure in earthquake-prone areas.