Modelacion 3D para analisis e instrumentacion sismica de la represa La Plata, Toa Alta, Puerto Rico (Spanish text)

The present project proposes an analytical method to locate the Strong Motion Instrumentation on La Plata Dam, in Toa Alta. A three-dimensional finite element model of the dam was developed considering the hydrodynamic effect of water and the soil foundation. Simple tests to obtain dynamic properties of concrete and rock foundation were implemented. Three models were defined using modulus of elasticity ratio between the concrete and the soil foundation Ec/Er of 1, 3.7 and 12.4. A dynamic analysis of the composite structure was carried out in the time domain by using an artificial earthquake from the site and different damping values. The criteria to locate the strong motion instrumentation were: to locate the maximum displacements, to locate the maximum accelerations, to obtain the first three mode shapes and to measure the rocking of the dam. Those points were located, in general, at the top of the dam and near to the office building. The analysis permitted to locate the Strong Motion Instrumentation and to observe the variation of tensile stresses on concrete and cracking for each one of the modulus relation used. The field work was also made for the installation of the accelerometers.; The author neither the graduate committee members are responsible by the use or the interpretation which others can give to the results of the present work. The author neither the graduate committee members attempt that this work to replace the required analysis for the La Plata Dam owners.