ABSTRACT
The seismic response of the dam-foundation-reservoir systems involves complex dynamics of interacting systems and varying reservoir water levels are known to influence the extent of damage sustained by the dam body during an earthquake. In this preliminary study, we investigate the effects of the frequency content of ground motion on the seismic behaviour of concrete gravity dams with varying reservoir levels. Crest displacements, maximum tensile stresses, damage area and energy dissipated are employed to establish the ultimate damage state of the dam. The results demonstrate the significant effects of the frequency content of ground motion and reservoir water levels on accumulated damage and damage distribution in the dam body with implications on the seismic design criteria.
