Updated Guidelines for Selecting Seismic Parameters for Dam Projects

An update of the 1985 version, these guidelines provide a guide for the selection of parameters to be used in the seismic design, analysis and safety evaluation of new or existing dams and their appurtenant structures. They also promote consistency in handling the earthquake aspects of dam performance evaluation among owners, designers, and various agencies involved in the planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance and regulation of dams.

Contents:
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Purpose
1.2. Background
1.3. Scope
2. FACTORS INFLUENCING THE SELECTION OF SEISMIC EVALUATION PARAMETERS
2.1. General
2.2. Influence of Type of Dam
2.2.1. Concrete Dams
2.2.2. Embankment Dams
3. GEOLOGIC AND SEISMOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS
3.1. Earthquake Potential
3.1.1. Regional Tectonic Framework
3.1.2. Historical Seismicity
3.1.3. Evaluation of Seismic Sources
3.1.4. Maximum Earthquake Magnitude
3.2. Earthquake Recurrence Assessment
4. SELECTION OF EARTHQUAKES FOR ANALYSIS
4.1. General Approach
4.2. Terminology
4.3. Seismic Evaluation Requirements
5. SELECTION OF SEISMIC EVALUATION PARAMETERS
5.1. General
5.2. Peak Ground Motion Parameters
5.3. Duration
5.4. Response Spectra
5.4.1. Generalized Spectral Shapes
5.4.2. Response Spectra Based Upon Attenuation Relationships
5.4.3. Damping
5.5. Acceleration Time Histories
5.5.1. Overview of Spectrum-Compatible Time History Development Procedures
5.5.2. Selection of Starting Time Histories
5.5.3. Guidelines for Generation of Response-Spectrum-Compatible Time Histories
5.5.4. Digitization Interval
5.6. Location of Application of Input Motions
5.7. Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Evaluation
6. BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX A: SITE AND STRUCTURE HAZARD RATING
APPENDIX B: DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN GUIDELINES