SEISMIC ANALYSIS OF DAM–RELEVANT STRUCTURES IN NORTHERN THAILAND

Abstract

The damages and losses caused by dam failure are significant. Currently, the seismic safety of
dams is well established. However, a study concerning the seismic safety of dam-relevant structures is
necessary. Occasionally, dams may withstand an earthquake; however, they are often unable to operate after
the quake due to malfunctioning dam-relevant structures. Furthermore, the collapse of such structures could
lead to a dam failure or cause considerable losses to the society downstream as well. Therefore, the seismic
safety of dam-relevant structures cannot be neglected, and such safety precautions must be conducted
properly. The main goal of this research is to evaluate the seismic safety of a dam spillway in Northern
Thailand and to ensure that it can operate normally after an expected large earthquake. First, a representative
dam-relevant structure is selected based on the availability of data and its importance. Afterward, the
performance goal of a representative structure will be established upon its importance, expected performance,
and ground motion level. For example, all structural components must be intact, and the uncontrollable
release of reservoir water must not take place during and after the maximum considered earthquake (MCE).
The seismic analysis of a representative structure is then performed using a numerical simulation. Finally,
based on the results, suggestions are made regarding the seismic safety of the representative structure.