The Westgarrd added mass method is often used to consider the effect of dynamic water pressure on the dam body. The added mass reduces the natural frequencies of the dam certainly, but does the added mass increase or decrease the damage degree of the dam in seismic analysis?
In seismic analysis, the Westergaard added mass method is commonly employed to account for the effect of dynamic water pressure on dam bodies. The added mass refers to the additional mass of water that is considered to be moving with the dam structure during seismic events.
The primary purpose of considering added mass is to account for the hydrodynamic forces exerted by the water on the dam, which can significantly affect its response to seismic shaking. By including the added mass, the natural frequencies of the dam are typically reduced, indicating a decrease in stiffness.
However, it is important to note that the effect of added mass on the damage degree of the dam in seismic analysis is not straightforward and depends on various factors, including the design, structural characteristics, and seismic response of the dam. The added mass does not directly increase or decrease the damage degree of the dam but rather influences the dynamic response of the structure.
In some cases, the inclusion of added mass can reduce the dynamic response of the dam, thereby potentially decreasing the damage. The additional mass of water can provide damping effects, dissipating some of the seismic energy and reducing the stresses and displacements experienced by the dam. This damping effect can help mitigate the potential for damage.
However, there are situations where the added mass may amplify the dynamic response of the dam, potentially increasing the damage degree. This can occur when the natural frequencies of the dam and the water coincide, leading to resonance effects and higher stresses or displacements. In such cases, the added mass can exacerbate the structural response, potentially increasing the potential for damage.
Therefore, the impact of added mass on the damage degree of a dam in seismic analysis is complex and depends on the specific characteristics and response behavior of the dam. Detailed seismic analysis, considering factors such as soil-structure interaction, dynamic properties of the dam and foundation, and the specific seismic input, is necessary to assess the potential damage level accurately.
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