Authors:

Hyunwoo Cho

Date Created:

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About Paper:

This research project addresses the urgent need for improved design methodologies to predict and mitigate earthquake-induced cracking in embankments and earth dams. Recent observations of extensive damage during seismic events (e.g. a dam was breached in the Orontes river in Syria due to the February 6, 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Turkey) highlight the criticality of developing better empirical and analytical tools to estimate damage to these earthen structures. The objectives of the research project are (i) the development and utilization of a comprehensive database of seismically induced damage of dams; (ii) test the hypothesis that the location of seismically-induced cracking can be accurately predicted through a static analysis of the structure; and (iii) questions the adequacy of two-dimensional plane-strain dynamic numerical analyses to estimate the extent and depth of cracking in earth dams and embankments. The paper focuses on the building and utilization of a database of field cases. Pertinent information regarding the characteristics of earth dams, past earthquake damage, and historical reports is being meticulously compiled and curated. Specific results or conclusions are not yet available. Around 50 dams affected by past earthquakes were analyzed to gather relevant data, including dam coordinates, earthquake epicenter, dimensions (length and height), magnitude, and observed damages (e.g., settlements, seepage, deformation, cracks). Earthquake information was sourced from USGS, while dam data was derived from historical records and Google Maps for coordinates. The coordinates of the dams were obtained using Google Maps. The anticipated outcome is the development of more robust tools for predicting and mitigating earthquake-induced cracking.

Source:

Purdue University / 2023

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Hyunwoo Cho