Seismic Response Analysis of Arch Dam with Joints Based on Rate-Dependant Plastic Damage Model

In this paper, the nonlinear seismic response of arch dams is presented using the method of Rate-dependent Plastic Damage Constitutive Model, in which damage variables varying with strain rate are introduced as internal variables. The dam-foundation-reservoir dynamic interaction and nonlinear contact of joints are included in the analysis. The effects of straining rate and loading history on concrete limit strength and response of arch dams are discussed and compared with the results given by rate-independent damage model. And it is shown that the distributions of straining rate are different from that of dams without joints included, and the distributions of strain rates can not only indicate the vibration modes of the dam, but also have significant effects on the dynamic response of arch dams.