Nonlinear seismic analyses of a high gravity dam with and without the presence of reinforcement

Comparative studies are conducted to investigate the seismic response of a 160 m high gravity dam with and without reinforcement. The numerical analyses account for several nonlinearities such as concrete cracking, tensile plastic offset strain of concrete, stiffness recovery when a crack closes and the bond–slip effect. The numerical results show that the stiffness recovery effect has a significant influence on the seismic behavior of the dam, for example the horizontal displacement history, residual deformation and cracking patterns. Although there is a slight difference in the dynamic deformation obtained with and without strengthening, the reinforcement causes secondary cracks in the vicinity of the major one and decreases the maximum opening and extension of the major crack. The results also show that the reinforcement is beneficial in improving the seismic-resistant capacity of the gravity dam.