Dynamic Characteristics of a Prototype Arch Dam

This study determines the dynamic characteristics of a prototype arch dam-reservoir-foundation system using Operational Modal Analysis method. Achievement of this purpose involved construction of a prototype arch dam-reservoir-foundation system under laboratory conditions. Ambient vibration tests on the arch dam model identified its natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios. Natural excitations such as small impact loads vibrated to arch dam. Sensitivity accelerometers which were placed on the dam’s crest collected signals in measurements. Measurements were recorded for empty and full reservoirs. Operational Modal Analysis software processed signals which were collected from the ambient vibration tests. Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition technique estimated dynamic characteristics of the dam. Results showed that there was an approximate 20–25% difference between natural frequencies related to empty and full reservoirs.