A procedure for seismic risk analysis of earth dams

This study lays out a framework and details steps involved in conducting seismic risk assessment of dams. Various issues that need to be resolved are discussed as they are encountered. A numerical example is presented. First of all, seismic hazard study is carried out to obtain the intensity of earthquake excitation expected at a given site. Ground motions are then selected and scaled. Critical failure mechanism of a dam is determined, and an appropriate analysis procedure followed. The variability of material properties of a dam is estimated and incorporated into the analysis. Finally, results of a study are presented in some quantitative measure that can be readily utilized in a overall risk assessment of a dam.