Design of earth dams regarding seismic actions

Abstract

The basic methodology of design of earth dams that allows the prediction of residual deformations is reviewed. The determination of non linear constitutive equations of earth fills is commented. The computations start, using an incremental technique, searching the stresses and strains ocurring in the dam before the earthquake. Taking this situations as a basis the potential strains induced by the earthquake are computed.  Applying the forces corresponding to the potential strains in the elements of the dam, using a pseudo-static method, the permanent deformations are at last determined. Laboratory cyclic tests are described.