Flexible foundation effect on seismic analysis of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) dams using finite element method

Recently, Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) dams have become one of the most applicable types of dams across the globe. However, the basic challenge in analysis of RCC dams is evaluation of the actual response under earthquake excitations with considering flexible foundation and impounded water. For this purpose, a finite element model of RCC Dam-Reservoir-Foundation is accurately developed and dynamic time history analysis is utilized to assess the seismic responses in terms of acceleration, displacements, stresses, cracking patterns and crack propagation by implementation of concrete damaged plasticity model. A verification model is carried out to show the work accuracy. Based on these explanations, the obtained results showed that, however, the hydrodynamic pressure due to the reservoir water had great influence on seismic responses of the RCC dam with rigid foundation especially in terms of displacement response but overall responses of the dam are greatly fluctuated while flexible foundation is taken into consideration