The seismic response behavior of high earth-rockfill dam under the ground motion with different amplitudes

frequencies and durations was studied through the large-scale shaking table model tests

and the seismic failure mode and failure mechanism of high earth-rockfill dam were analyzed.Nonlinear numerical simulation of the tests was also performed by utilizing dynamic finite difference program.The research results show that the acceleration response along the dam height has significant crest amplification effect;the acceleration response on the dam slope has obvious surface amplification effect relative to the internal at the same elevation;the acceleration response was more intense when the earthquake predominant frequency was close to the natural frequency of the dam;the earthquake duration has great influence on earthquake induced permanent deformation

because the deformation need time to accumulate.The failure of high earthrockfill dam under earthquake action first appears near the dam crest

and the failure mode shows mainly the rockfill becomes loose

rolls down

and even local shallow-layer slide appears.The main reason is that the combined action of the acceleration amplification effect along the dam height and on slope surface

dam crest with low confining pressure and low shear strength.So the dam crest is the key position of seismic design of high earth-rockfill dam.These studies provides reference for the seismic design of high earth-rockfill dam.