Seismic analysis of Dez concrete arch dam under different boundary conditions for foundation using numerical method

Concrete arch dams are unique yet sensitive structures. One of the major loads that a dam could endure during its lifetime is the one due to earthquakes. This highlights one of the most important analysis performed on these structures namely, seismic analysis. Since dams are not isolated structures, their interactions with reservoir and foundation can affect the results of any analysis performed on them. Therefore, a system of dam-foundation-reservoir should be considered for more realistic results. Because of size and complexity of the system involved, numerical methods such as finite element method, should be employed. The subject of this study is seismic finite element analysis of Dez concrete arch dam which is one of the highest arch dams in Iran. The analysis was performed under different boundary conditions for foundation using ABAQUS and results were verified through comparison with the ones obtained from EACD-3D program. Comparison indicates vast influence of different boundary conditions, earthquake input mechanism and different assumptions for state of the foundation on the seismic response of Dez Concrete arch dam.