NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Shaking Table Research on Concrete Dam Models.
- File
- PB81122368.pdf
- Author(s)
- Niwa, A.; Clough, R. W.
- Source
- National Science Foundation, Washington, DC., September 1980, 110 p.
- Identifying Number(s)
- UCB/EERC-80/05
- Abstract
- The basic purpose of this research was to investigate the feasibility of studying the nonlinear response behavior of concrete arch dams on a 20 ft square shaking table. Assuming a length scale of 1/150, suitable model material of plaster, celite, sand and lead powder was developed. The proportions and properties of adopted materials are listed. Shaking table tests are described of a segmented arch rib model designed of this material to simulate the monolith joint opening behavior of an arch dam. Also, the test of a model of Koyna Dam is mentioned, where the model behavior simulated reservoir cavitation mechanism and the observed cracking of the prototype. The principal conclusion of the investigation is that shaking table research is a practical means of studying the nonlinear earthquake response of concrete arch dams, including their actual failure mechanisms.
- Keywords
- Gravity dams; Arch dams; Dynamic response; Earthquake engineering; Hydrostatic pressure; Concrete dams; Earthquakes; Dynamic structural analysis