Modeling the Seismic Response of Gibe III Dam Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

In this paper, the seismic response of a gravity dam is investigated through using two-dimensional finite element model together with the nonlinear time history simulation approach. Taking Gibe III dam as a case study, numerical modeling is executed for the dam separately and along with the reservoir and the foundation using ABAQUS software. The seismic response is analyzed in terms of stresses, displacement, and cracking or tensile damages. The dam is supposed to structurally respond the maximum earthquake magnitude experienced within 150km radius of its site for the past 100 years. Concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model is suitably applied for defining the dam concrete behavior. Acoustic elements are utilized to consider the dam-reservoir interactions. For results accuracy, validation work is carried out for the preferred modeling approach. The analysis results demonstrate the heel part of the dam experienced highest tensile stress which is nearly equal to the permissible stress of Gibe III dam. Tensile damage result confirms that the dam heel undergo tension.