The Structural Dynamic Analysis of Embankment Dams Using Finite Difference and Finite Element Methods

This study is aimed to provide a structural dynamic analysis of embankment dams using numerical methods. The dynamic analyses are performed based on the time histories by applying accelerogram of several real earthquakes. For a dynamic analysis, it is initially performed a comprehensive study of the characteristics and coordinates of the earthquake accelerograms. The numerical analysis method is established on the comparison of the results of the numerical finite difference (FDM) and finite element (FEM) methods. This paper constitutes two-dimensional numerical plane-strain dynamic analyses in time domain. The focus of this research is to examine the amplified impacts of accelerations and the lateral (horizontal) and vertical (settlement) displacements due to earthquake loading. All the models are undergone the static analysis, followed by dynamic analysis, and after the initial static equilibrium, they are placed under dynamic loading. It is presented a case study on Jamishan Embankment Dam in Kermanshah Province, Iran. The analytical results indicate that there is a good agreement between both numerical methods; however, there are some rare cases with contradictory results, majorly due to the slight differences of fundamental calculations or the definitions of damping ratio and boundary conditions in both numerical methods. Nevertheless, the results illustrate that the free board height of the Jamishan Dam determined by the consultant engineer is responsive to the most critical conditions and prevents the water overflow from the dam in case of strong vibrations.