Analysis of Model Embankment Dam by Shaking Table Test

Laboratory model tests have been performed on the shaking table to show the fundamental behaviour of embankment dams subjected to dynamic loads using the same dam materials. The paper shows the effects of the input motion, dam type and reservoir conditions on the response characteristics. The response data obtained are next used to identify the dynamic soil properties of the model embankments, and also to investigate the applicability of the available pore pressure generation models. Series of vibration tests conducted in this paper have assisted in arriving the following findings: (1) in the model study, the artificial motions produced probabilistically at the site should be used taking account of the spectral features of the structure, (2) seismic response of dam could be amplified more at the slope on the upstream with the reservoir full than with reservoir empty when it is vibrated by the input motion of more than 100 gal in the maximum amplitude, (3) stronger nonlinearity of dynamic soil properties are recognized in the sloped zone than that of center zone, and (4) available pore pressure models could be reasonable applied and used to simulate the liquefied conditions.