Potentially Active Faults in the Foundations of Large Dams Part I:Vulnerability of Dams to Seismic Movements in Dam Foundation

Abstract eng:
The implications of (i) movements caused by active or potentially active faults passing through the foundation of a large dam, and (ii) movements of blocks in the dam foundation caused by strong earthquakes at a fault close to a dam site, on the design of dams and their safety are discussed. The vulnerability of concrete dams to differential foundation movements is illustrated with the damage observed at the Zeuzier arch dam in Switzerland. Faults in dam foundations are an important issue in dam safety assessments and defensive measures to be taken when a dam is located in an area where it is not clear whether movements are possible along faults during strong ground shaking are recommended. Very approximate numerical values of tolerable displacements are also presented.

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