Numerical Study on the Effect of Reservoir Length on the Seismic Behavior of Baglihar Dam

Seismic analysis of concrete gravity dams is vital for ensuring their safety and performance during earthquakes. Gravity dams are designed to resist loads due to their weight but the dynamic loads induced during seismic events can cause significant damage. The length of the reservoir could play an important role in the seismic responses of the dam. In this study, the effect of reservoir length on the seismic response of the Baglihar dam is investigated. The study uses finite element models of the dam and dam-reservoir systems to simulate the seismic behavior of the dam for different reservoir lengths, ranging from H to 6H (H: height of the dam). These systems are modeled as two-dimensional structures and the dynamic analysis is carried out using the linear Response History analysis method with three different earthquakes. The results are compared in terms of crest displacement and the principal stresses at the various sections of the dam. In addition, the study examined the effect of the two different properties of the dam material on the seismic response. The study indicated that the relationship between reservoir length and responses is not necessarily linear but depends upon the geometry of the dam and the ground motion. However, after a certain length of the reservoir, the variation in responses becomes less significant. The material properties of the dam also seem to affect the seismic response, as by increasing the stiffness of the dam material the responses can be reduced.