Dynamic stability of Wadi Arab embank-ment dam in Jordan

Abstract EN

Dams are very important in Jordan.

Major dams in Jordan are located in the Jordan Valley, which is a seismically active region.

Most of these dams are embankment type.

One of these dams, is Wadi Arab dam which is analyzed in this study for effect of dynamic loading estimated based on the expected seismicity in the region.

Two basic methods of analysis are used in this study, these are: Limit State Equilibrium method (Simplified Bishop (1955), Modified Fel-lenius (1936), and Sarma (1979), and Newmark (1965) displacement method).

Two earthquake records are used in the analysis, these are: El-Centro N-S, and Taft S-E.

Results of this study show that Wadi Arab dam is stable for the expected earthquake loading.

Displacemen based design method is recommended for use in designing embankment dams in the Jordan Valley.