University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Numerical simulation of dynamic centrifuge tests on concrete faced rockfill dam

Acar, Muhsin

Content Files
ACAR-THESIS-2018.pdf

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/101581

Description

Title
Numerical simulation of dynamic centrifuge tests on concrete faced rockfill dam
Author(s)
Acar, Muhsin
Issue Date
2018-07-16
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Hashash, Youssef M. A.
Department of Study
Civil & Environmental Eng
Discipline
Civil Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Date of Ingest
2018-09-27T16:17:52Z
Keyword(s)
  • concrete faced rockfill dams
  • CFRD
  • centrifuge tests
Abstract
The design details of concrete faced rockfill dams (CFRDs) have depended extensively on empirical relations and experience. Empirical relations may become insufficient, however, as the height of the dam increases, or when geometric complexities are involved and coupled with complex loading conditions such as seismic loads. To make up for these limitations, numerical tools can give valuable insight into how CFRDs respond to both static and seismic loading conditions. This thesis utilizes numerical simulations using finite element method to study nonlinear dynamic responses of CFRDs. The first part of the study reviews the current state of design details of CFRDs. The design details include properties of commonly used embankment zones, concrete faces, and plinths, including compaction methods of zones, particle sizes, thickness of layers during placement, slab and plinth dimensions, etc. In addition, the performance of some well-documented CFRDs are summarized. The second part of the study evaluates the computed seismic response via numerical simulations representing prototype centrifuge experiments performed on a CFRD model. The effects of two factors on the computed response are investigated: (1) impact of un/reloading rules (hysteretic behavior), and (2) interface type between concrete face and rockfill (welded and friction contact) on the computed seismic response of the CFRDs. The numerical results are evaluated by comparing with measurements in terms of accelerations, bending moment increments of the concrete face, spectral accelerations and lateral deformations. The comparisons show that the proper representation of the hysteretic damping of the rockfill and the interface type have a key role in capturing the measured response of the dam. The analyses demonstrate the effectiveness of employed numerical tools in representing the seismic response of CFRD.
Graduation Semester
2018-08
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/101581
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2018 Muhsin Acar

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Graduate Dissertations and Theses at Illinois PRIMARY
Graduate Theses and Dissertations at Illinois
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