Abstract
In the geotechnical field, the risk related to slope instabilities or collapse of geotechnical structures are increasingly being faced by early warning systems, capable of: (1) predicting the incipient collapse based on the interpretation of a continuous monitoring of the structure and (2) spreading alarm promptly to reduce people exposure. Compared with structural approaches, early warning systems have two important advantages: a faster, simpler and less expensive implementation and environmental compatibility. Past experience indicates that vulnerability of earth dams is generally low under both static and seismic loading conditions. In spite of this, earth dams are characterized by a high-risk level, due to the high exposure factor. Nowadays, the application of early warning systems to dams is fully supported by the technological progress achieved in the telecommunication field, since it is possible to install and automate recordings and transmission of all physical variables significant to check dam safety: accelerations, displacements, pore-water pressures, total stresses, seepage flows. A considerable lack still arises in the predictive models for interpreting monitoring data and providing indicators on dam safety soon after a strong earthquake. The present work illustrates the basic concepts of an earthquake early warning (EEW) system for earth dams and the main features that should characterize a predictive model to such a scope. An application to a real case is finally provided, enhancing the role played by each monitored physical variable for the aims of EEW.
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Notes
In a conventional perspective, any risk is a convolution of exposure, hazard and vulnerability. A more extended definition might also include other factors such as external context (political and economic), emergency response and recovery capability (Davidson 1997; Sica et al. 2002). Exposure, in particular, comprises the list of everything (people, economy, infrastructures, etc.) exposed to risk due to dam failure.
The two concrete dams of Sella Pedicate (H = 26.50 m) and Rio Fucino (H = 49 m) and the zoned earth dam of Poggio Cancelli (H = 28.2 m).
Response spectra were computed for a structural damping equal to 5 %.
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Pagano, L., Sica, S. Earthquake early warning for earth dams: concepts and objectives. Nat Hazards 66, 303–318 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-012-0486-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-012-0486-9