Acoustic Fluid-Structure Interaction Modeling of Gravity Dams in the Frequency Domain

A. De Falco [1], M. Mori [1], G. Sevieri [2],
[1] University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
[2] University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Publié en 2016

The assessment of the seismic safety of gravity dams is a topic of great importance in civil engineering. In this paper, fluid structure interaction modeling of gravity dams during earthquakes is investigated. In particular, this work aims to provide physical significance of a plan numerical model simulating the dam and the infinite length reservoir when a horizontal ground motion acts at the dam foundation. After a preliminary calibration of the model with analytical solutions, the dynamic properties of the numerical model are investigated via modal and frequency response analyses. The fully coupled mechanical-acoustic model is also compared to the widespread “added mass” model adopted in most national codes.