Seismic Fragility of Weir Structure With Infinite Foundations in Korea

Abstract eng:
The key objective of this study was to conduct a probabilistic risk assessment and safety evaluation of weir structures. Seismic fragility analysis of this kind for natural hazards to weir structures requires rigorous evaluation for strong seismic ground motions. To that end, 2D simple linear elastic Finite Element (FE) and nonlinear FE models of weir structures — namely the Gangjoeng-Goryeong hydraulic systems — in consideration of Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) were developed. Additionally, in order to evaluate energy radiation in the foundation, the infinite foundation model in ABAQUS was applied. Specifically, the probabilities of failure for the simple linear elastic FE model were compared with those for the model using infinite foundations under seismic wave propagation, after which a fragility analysis for the nonlinear FE model was conducted in comparison with the nonlinear weir structure model modeled with the infinite boundary. Prior to the evaluation of the seismic fragility analysis results, a simple time-history analysis was performed in ABAQUS in order to understand the seismic complex behavior of the weir structures. Interestingly, it was found that the seismic behavior of the FE model was significantly influenced by the infinite boundary condition, due particularly to the energy radiation of the infinite foundation as subject to strong seismic ground motion. Also, the limit states corresponding to the evaluated probabilities of weir-structural failure were defined, and a generic methodology for seismic fragility determination was characterized. The data derived from this study will prove relevant to the performance-based earthquake engineering and safety assessment of flood defense structures such as dams, reservoirs, and weir structures.

• Export as: BibTeX | MARC | MARCXML | DC | EndNote | NLM | RefWorks
• Add to your basket