Seismic Deformation Analysis of Qaraoun Dam

The dam is situated near the tectonic boundary of the African and Arabian plates, which is a seismically-active region of the Dead Sea fault system. This region has a history of producing high levels of earthquake shaking, with large earthquake events occurring every few hundred years. These events have the potential to cause significant and possibly catastrophic damage to man-made structures not designed for such high levels of ground shaking. The seismic hazard at the Qaraoun Dam site was estimated using a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). This process involves a detailed study of the tectonic setting and historical seismicity of the region, where all known earthquakes have occurred. The sources of these earthquakes were identified as either active crustal faults or areal seismic source zones. Each of the fault sources was characterized by its proximity to the site, type of faulting, maximum length of faulting, maximum thickness of rupture, dip, annual slip rate, and maximum potential for energy release (MMAX). Each of the areal seismic zones was characterized by its proximity to the site, type of faulting, maximum thickness of rupture, dip, and MMAX. A total of 14 seismic sources were identified as potential seismic sources for the Qaraoun Dam, including six active crustal faults and eight areal seismic source zones. The Yammouneh fault, located approximately 2.4 km west of Qaraoun Dam, was calculated to contribute the most to the seismic hazard due to its close proximity to the site. The results of the PSHA are presented in terms of peak ground acceleration and response spectral values for various specified annual frequencies of exceedance, or return periods. The seismic response and deformation of the dam embankment resulting from the postulated earthquake shaking were analyzed using nonlinear deformation analysis. This approach involves the development of representative earthquake ground motions and the performance of analyses to estimate the seismic response and deformation of the dam embankment. The analysis results showed that the dam embankment is susceptible to significant deformation and potential failure during large earthquake events. The Qaraoun Dam is a critical structure that requires evaluation of its seismic response and deformation to ensure the prevention of loss of life and property. The results of this study provide valuable information on the seismic hazard at the dam site and the potential for deformation and failure of the dam embankment during large earthquake events. This information can be used to inform the design and operation of the dam, as well as to develop strategies for mitigating the effects of seismic activity on the dam. The seismic hazard at the Qaraoun Dam site is characterized by a high level of activity and maximum energy release from the Yammouneh fault. The results of the PSHA show that the dam site is susceptible to significant ground shaking, with peak ground acceleration values ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 g for various return periods. The analysis results also show that the dam embankment is susceptible to significant deformation and potential failure during large earthquake events, with maximum deformation values ranging from 1 to 5 meters.