The research under this project is to develop improved procedures for the earthquake analysis and design of concrete dams, an important component of the national infrastructure system for supply of water and power. The research addresses some of the most important issues that need to be resolved: (1) consideration of spatial variations in the earthquake input around the canyon and their influence on arch dam response; (2) rigorous treatment of dam-foundation rock interaction in analyzing arch dames; (3) computation of earthquake-induced sliding and rocking displacements of a gravity- dam monolith, and the development of improved criteria for overturning and sliding stability; and (4) improved modeling of water- sediment rock interaction. Analytical procedures and computer software will be developed and a systematic series of analyses will be performed to develop a fundamental understanding of the significance of various factors influencing the earthquake response of concrete dams. The developments and results expected from this investigation will enable better evaluation of the response of concrete dams to earthquake ground motion, thus improving the capability to assess the safety of existing structures and of designs proposed for structures to be constructed.
