Dynamic Characteristics of an Arch Dam Model before and after Strengthening with Consideration of Reservoir Water

This technical note presents an investigation about the changing of dynamic characteristics of an arch dam model before and after strengthening considering reservoir water. To this end, an arch dam-reservoir-foundation model has been constructed in the laboratory. Ambient vibration tests have been performed on the damaged and strengthened arch dam models for empty and full reservoir to determine the effect of water on the dynamics characteristics. Enhanced frequency domain decomposition method has been used to extract the dynamic characteristics. Finally, the dynamic characteristics obtained from the damaged and strengthened dam models have been compared to with each other. Also, the natural frequencies for damaged and strengthened models are compared to detect the effect of strengthening application on the frequencies. Results indicate that the natural frequencies and damping ratios are changed with the full reservoir. However, mode shapes are not changed. Results also show that the natural frequencies of damaged dam considerably increase after strengthening applications.