A simplified method for estimating Newmark displacements of mountain reservoirs

In the present article we propose a new simplified method for assessing the seismic performance of large mountain reservoirs. The pseudo-empirical regression model is established on the basis of decoupled dynamic analyses performed on 7 accelerograms applied to 33 structural and geotechnical configurations. We study the influence of embankment geometries and mechanical properties on the prediction of earthquake-induced permanent displacements estimated by Newmark analyses. We also discuss the relevance of our model by carrying out comparisons with existing simplified models and with post-seismic field observations on earth dams. A regression analysis using parameters of interest provides a pseudo-empirical predictive equation to carry out rapid, preliminary assessments of the seismic performance of mountain reservoirs.