Estimation of probable damages in arch dams subjected to strong ground motions using endurance time acceleration functions

In the present paper, nonlinear behavior of mass concrete using the smeared crack approach is combined with the Endurance Time Analysis (ETA) method for estimation of probable damages in arch dams when they are subjected to strong ground motions. ETA method is a time-history based dynamic pushover procedure for seismic analysis of structures in which they are subjected to a set of intensifying artificial ground motions called Endurance Time Acceleration Functions (ETAFs). Numerical model of an arch damreservoir-foundation system was excited in maximum credible level using real ground motions and equivalent ETAFs. Cracked areas within the dam body are selected to compare ETA results with conventional nonlinear time-history analysis. Results show acceptable consistency between two methods while using ETA method reduces the total cost of analysis considerably. In addition, continuum seismic performance of dam was evaluated when it’s subjected to ETAFs.