1-G model test with digital image analysis for seismic behavior of earth dam

Abstract

This paper proposes a new experimental method using small 1-G shaking table tests to investigate the seismic behavior of an earth dam. In this research, a digital image analysis was applied to observe strain distributions during excitation. White gauge points were placed on the surface of the model and the movements of these points were analyzed via successive digital image pictures. From the displacements of the gauge points, the distributions of shear strain and volumetric strain were examined as the functions of the acceleration response of the dam body. As a result of the volumetric strain distributions, it was found that vertical tension and compression zones exist in turn, and that tensile stress was observed at the top of the model. It was estimated that the crack at the crest of the earth dam, brought about by the earthquake, was attributed to the tensile stress.