Seismic response of dams

The seismic analysis of dams requires incorporating the dynamic interactions of the dam with the ground and with the stored water. These couplings complicate the problem to be solved.

Principia has analysed the problem for several dams and, following the accident that occurred at the Fukushima nuclear plant, regulatory authorities demanded additional calculations regarding the seismic stability of dams upstream from nuclear power plants.

In this context, Principia analysed the Mequinenza and Riba-Roja dams, located in the Ebro river upstream from the Ascó nuclear power plant. The dams appear in the photographs.