Published Paper Details:

Dams located in seismically active regions are highly susceptible to structural damage due to strong ground motions. Several small to medium-sized dams, ranging in height from 10 to 25 meters, have experienced various forms of distress, including longitudinal cracks along the crest and failures of upstream and downstream slopes. Chang Dam, situated in the Kachchh region of Gujarat, India, was among the most severely affected structures, highlighting the need for a detailed seismic stability assessment. This study employs PLAXIS, a widely used finite element software for geotechnical analysis, to model and evaluate the seismic response of Chang Dam under different ground motion intensities. The numerical analysis considers factors such as soil-structure interaction, dynamic loading, and deformation patterns to assess the dam's stability and failure mechanisms. By simulating real earthquake conditions, the study provides insights into the dam's vulnerability and helps identify critical failure zones. The findings from this analysis contribute to a better understanding of the seismic performance of embankment dams and offer valuable input for developing improved design and retrofitting strategies. This study underscores the importance of advanced seismic assessment techniques to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions.