Numerical analysis of cyclic loading effect on progressive failure of an earth dam upon a multi-laminate framework

Abstract

In this paper, the progressive failure in an earth dam is evaluated upon a Multi-Laminate framework by considering 10 historical earthquakes in the world, along with their equivalent harmonic cyclic loading. Whenever the framework is given for any suggested plane by direction cosines, it has its certain direction, so, on this basis, the activation order of planes represents the direction and next step of progressive failure. The numerical integration comprises a function that is determined by distributing in sphere area including a radius of one, which can be approximated with several planes, tangential to different points in the sphere area. By calculating numerical integration, the quantity, spread on the sphere, achieved in the aforesaid points to predict fabric anisotropy effects. The framework efficiency is proved by evaluation of removal constants, such as confining pressure, and void ratio. The effects of driven anisotropy studied on all planes of the framework in 10 earthquakes to determine the effects of induced anisotropy on activated and no activated planes, in order to evaluate the progressive failure. Then, the model is capable to predict the coordinate of node of each brick element of the earth dam for next failure.

Keywords
Earth dam; Progressive failure; Multi-Laminate framework; Cyclic loading