Shaking Table Experiment on Seismic Performance of a Scaled-Down Arch Dam with Initial Crack

Abstract

Seismic responses of cracked scaled-down arch dams were investigated by experiment on a shaking table. Two different curvature models (M1 and M2) were cast by using a plan concrete. Dams properties, including materials and dimensions, were carefully simulated. A significant earthquake magnitude with (7.7M) and water pressure were applied on the dam's models. Considering water and seismic loadings, the dynamic reactions of the arch dam's system were investigated. Both models showed crack overstresses or propagation on the dam's model as a result of seismic excitations. The arch dam with a higher degree of curvature was recorded 44 Mpa of stress evaluation which less by 30.7% of the arch dam with the lowest degree of curvature. The results indicated that raising the degree of curvature led to raising the dam's stability, earthquake resistance, less displacement, and less growth of tensile cracks.