Numerical simulation of dynamic centrifuge tests on concrete faced rockfill dam

The design details of concrete faced rockfill dams (CFRDs) have depended extensively on empirical relations and experience. Empirical relations may become insufficient, however, as the height of the dam increases, or when geometric complexities are involved and coupled with complex loading conditions such as seismic loads. To make up for these limitations, numerical tools can give valuable insight into how CFRDs respond to both static and seismic loading conditions. This thesis utilizes numerical simulations using finite element method to study nonlinear dynamic responses of CFRDs. The first part of the study reviews the current state of design details of CFRDs. The design details include properties of commonly used embankment zones, concrete faces, and plinths, including compaction methods of zones, particle sizes, thickness of layers during placement, slab and plinth dimensions, etc. In addition, the performance of some well-documented CFRDs are summarized. The second part of the study evaluates the computed seismic response via numerical simulations representing prototype centrifuge experiments performed on a CFRD model. The effects of two factors on the computed response are investigated: (1) impact of un/reloading rules (hysteretic behavior), and (2) interface type between concrete face and rockfill (welded and friction contact) on the computed seismic response of the CFRDs. The numerical results are evaluated by comparing with measurements in terms of accelerations, bending moment increments of the concrete face, spectral accelerations and lateral deformations. The comparisons show that the proper representation of the hysteretic damping of the rockfill and the interface type have a key role in capturing the measured response of the dam. The analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of employed numerical tools in representing the seismic response of CFRD.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2018

Author dc:creator

• Acar, Muhsin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hashash, Youssef M. A.

• concrete faced rockfill dams
• CFRD
• centrifuge tests

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2018 Muhsin Acar

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/101581

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/101581