_____________________________________________________________________
This engineer regulation supersedes ER 1110-2-1806, dated 31 July 1995
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ER 1110-2-1806
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CECW-CE Washington, DC 20314-1000
Regulation
No. 1110-2-1806 31 May 2016
Engineering and Design
EARTHQUAKE DESIGN AND EVALUATION FOR CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Purpose …………………………………………………………………….................1
2. Applicability ..…………………………………………………………………………..1
3. Distribution Statement ………………………………………………………………..1
4. References ……………………………………………………………………………. 1
5. Policy ………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
6. General Provisions ………………………………………………………………...… 2
7. Design Earthquakes and Ground Motions ………………………………………… 5
8. Site Characterizations ……………………………………………………………….. 6
9. Concrete and Steel Structures and Substructures ……………………………….. 7
10. Embankments, Slopes and Soil Foundations …………………………………….. 9
11. Actions for New Projects …………………………………………………………….11
12. Actions for Existing Projects …………………………………………………………...…11
Appendix A References A 1
Appendix B Hazard Potential Classification for Civil Works Projects B 1
Appendix C Seismic Hazard in USA C 1
Appendix D Seismic Study Flow Chart D 1
Appendix E Progressive Seismic Analysis Requirements for Concrete E 1
And Steel Hydraulic Structures
Appendix F Design and Analysis Requirements for Seismic
Evaluation Reports F 1
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1
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ER 1110-2-1806
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CECW-CE Washington, DC 20314-1000
Regulation
No. 1110-2-1806 31 May 2016
Engineering and Design
EARTHQUAKE DESIGN AND EVALUATION FOR CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS
1. Purpose. This Engineer Regulation (ER) provides guidance for the seismic design,
analysis and evaluation of civil works projects. Additionally, this regulation establishes
design earthquakes with associated performance requirements to assure that all
features of civil works projects meet minimum seismic standards for serviceability and
safety. Seismic design standards for buildings and bridges for civil works projects are
also stated in this ER. In addition, all new designs and modifications to existing dams
and levees are to be designed to the additional safety standards in applicable engineer
regulations.
2. Applicability. This regulation is applicable to all HQUSACE elements and USACE
commands having responsibilities for the planning, design, analysis and construction of
civil works projects. The user of this ER is responsible for seeking opportunities to
incorporate the Environmental Operating Principles (EOPs) wherever possible. A
listing of the EOPs is available at:
http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/EnvironmentalOperatingPrinciples.a
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3. Distribution Statement. This document is approved for public release; distribution is
unlimited.
4. References. References are listed in Appendix A.
5. Policy. The seismic design of new projects and the seismic evaluation or
reevaluation of existing projects must be accomplished in accordance with this
regulation. This regulation applies to all projects that have the potential to malfunction
or fail during or following seismic events and cause hazardous conditions related to loss
of human life, appreciable property damage, disruption of lifeline services or
unacceptable environmental consequences. The effort required to perform these
seismic studies can vary greatly. The scope of each seismic study shall be focused on
assessment of ground motions, site characterization, structural response, functional
consequences and potential hazards in a consistent, well-integrated, and cost-effective
effort that will provide a high degree of confidence in the final conclusions. The
performance of operating equipment and utility lines can be as important as the
performance of the structural and geotechnical features of a project. When justifying
ER 1110-2-1806
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2
circumstances exist, requests for a waiver from this policy shall be submitted by the
District Commander through the Division Commander to HQUSACE (CECW-CE).
Risk evaluation processes and tolerable risk guidelines for the evaluation or re-
evaluation of existing dams are provided in ER 1110-2-1156 “Safety of Dams Policy
and Procedures. The seismic design considerations and principles presented in this
regulation are meant to complement the seismic risk evaluation processes described in
ER 1110-2-1156. Evaluation of risk should be an integral part of any seismic design or
evaluation process.
6. General Provisions.
a. Project Hazard Potential. The hazard potential classification in Appendix B, Table
B-1 defines the consequences of project failure, based on the probable loss of human
life, the potential for economic losses, environmental damage and/or disruption to
lifelines. Critical features are the engineering structures, natural site conditions or
operating equipment and utilities at high hazard projects whose failure during or
immediately following an earthquake could result in loss of life due to inundation or
release of hazardous, toxic or radioactive materials. Such a loss of life could result
directly from failure or indirectly from flooding damage to a lifeline facility. Project
hazard potential should consider the population at risk, the downstream flood wave
depth and velocity and the probability of fatality of individuals within the affected
population. All other features are not critical features.
b. Design. Seismic design for new projects must include assessments of the
potential ground motions on project features to ensure acceptable performance during
and after design events. The level of design required to provide such performance is
dependent upon the seismic loadings, the complexity of the project, and the
consequences of losing project service or losing control of the pool. The analysis must
be performed in phases in order of increasing complexity. Continuity of the design
process is important throughout each phase. The plan of study for each phase of design
must be consistent with this regulation and with ER 1110-2-1150 “Engineering and
Design for Civil Works Projects”.
c. Evaluation. Evaluation or re-evaluation of existing project features differs from the
design of new features. The evaluation begins with a review of the project foundation
conditions, construction materials and the design of the project features. There must
also be an understanding of the construction practices used at the time the project was
built. Available information such as geological maps, boring logs, acceleration contour
maps, standard response spectra, structural and geotechnical analysis and studies,
construction photographs and as-built project records must be used to screen existing
project features to check for adequate seismic capacity. Detailed site explorations, site-
specific ground motion studies and structural analyses should be undertaken only for
projects in a High Seismic Hazard Region (HSHR) or in a Moderate Seismic Hazard
Region (MSHR) when seismic loading controls the design. The determination of
controlling load cases requires the evaluation of applied loads and the expected
ER 1110-2-1806
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3
performance. Seismic loads are presumed to control the design when the risk
assessment (potential failure mode analysis) indicates or if the factors of safety for
seismic stability are lower than those computed for other load cases. The map in
Appendix C provides locations of the high, moderate and low seismic hazard regions.
d. Remediation. Upgrading existing project features to current seismic design
standards is generally expensive and shall be evaluated with a risk-informed process
that considers various factors, including but not limited to, expected loadings, expected
response and expected consequences. Expert judgment as well as appropriate linear
elastic and nonlinear analytical studies may be required to clearly justify the need for
remediation. Downstream nonstructural measures that reduce the project hazard must
be considered as an alternative to seismic remediation.
e. Project Team Concept. Earthquake design, analysis, evaluation or re-evaluation
of civil works projects requires close collaboration of an interdisciplinary team that
includes specialists in seismology, hydrology and hydraulics, geology, materials,
geotechnical and structural engineering. The team is responsible for establishing the
earthquake engineering requirements for the project, planning and executing the
seismological and engineering investigations and evaluating results. A senior structural
or geotechnical engineer must be responsible for leading the seismic design or
evaluation team. Technical experts shall be included on the team to provide guidance
on seismic policy, advise on earthquake engineering requirements, insure proper
evaluation of results and verify aspects of the seismological and engineering
investigations. This team must establish the scope of the entire seismic study early in
the design or evaluation process to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that
the seismotectonic, geologic, geotechnical and structural investigations are compatible
and complete.
f. Consulting Technical Experts. Seismic design or evaluation of civil works project
features is a highly complex engineering task that sometimes requires special expertise
and substantial engineering judgment in order to be effective. In many instances,
especially for large dams located in high seismic regions, the project team must
augment the in-house staff with technical experts to ensure independent review of the
methodology and results, to add credibility to the results and to help ensure public
acceptance of the conclusions. These experts may be from within USACE, other
government agencies, academia or the private sector. Technical experts must be
included in the early team planning sessions to assist in identifying the full scope of
work, selecting approaches and criteria, reviewing results and selecting the initial and
final seismic parameters. The experts must participate in meetings, provide memoranda
of concurrence and summary of advice.
g. Standard and Site-Specific Studies. Seismic studies must include the
seismotectonic, geologic, site, geotechnical and structural investigations required to
properly select the design ground motions, and to properly assess the response of the
foundation and structures to the earthquake events possible at the project site. Further
guidance on design/analysis requirements is provided in Appendices B-F.
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(1) Standard seismic studies are based on existing generic seismological studies,
available site data and information and simplified methods of evaluation. Generally,
standard studies use preliminary values of the ground motions obtained from published
and on-line United States Geological Survey (USGS) spectral acceleration maps. The
method to develop standard response spectra and the effective peak ground
acceleration (EPGA) for the project site is described in EM 1110-2-6053 “Earthquake
Design and Evaluation of Concrete Hydraulic Structures”. A preliminary structural
analysis and a simplified assessment of soil liquefaction and deformation will assess
how seismic loadings impact the design and will set the scope of any proposed site-
specific studies. Standard methods and data in the referenced guidance are useful for
preliminary and screening investigations in all seismicity regions, and may be
satisfactory for final design or evaluation in a low seismic hazard region or in some
moderate seismic hazard regions. The seismic-study flowchart describing the process is
provided in Appendix D.
(2) Site-specific studies use the actual site and structural conditions to evaluate the
project hazards and the response of the project features to seismic loading. Detailed
field exploration and testing programs must be carefully planned and executed.
Geologic studies should characterize the site, describe the seismotectonic province and
investigate all seismic sources that can affect the site. Seismologic investigations
should describe the earthquake history, earthquake recurrence relationship and strong-
motion records to be used in design or evaluation. Special emphasis should be placed
on identifying all geological, seismological and geotechnical parameters necessary for
the design and for determining the response of the foundations and structures.
Structural investigations should accurately account for all relevant factors that affect the
seismic hazard at the specific site and the actual dynamic behavior of the structure,
including damping and ductility characteristics of the structural systems. Geotechnical
investigations should assess the types and spatial distribution of foundation and
embankment material and the engineering properties of the soil and rock. Propagation
of the ground motion through the foundation and embankment, liquefaction potential of
foundation and embankment soils, stability of natural and artificial slopes and estimates
of deformations should also be evaluated. The final results of site-specific studies must
be used as the basis for making design or evaluation decisions and for the design of
any remedial measures. Site-specific studies shall be conducted for all projects located
in regions of high seismicity and moderate seismicity for which earthquake loading
controls the design. Detailed information on the development of site-specific design
response spectra can be found in EM 1110-2-6050 Response Spectra and Seismic
Analysis for Concrete Hydraulic Structures. EM 1110-2-6051 “Time-History Dynamic
Analysis of Concrete Hydraulic Structures” provides information on the development of
site-specific time-histories. There are two general approaches for conducting site-
specific seismic hazard analyses:
(a) Deterministic Seismic Hazard Analysis (DSHA). The DSHA approach uses the
known seismic sources that can affect the site along with the available historical seismic
and geological data to generate discrete, single-valued events or models of ground
ER 1110-2-1806
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5
motion at the site. Typically, one or more earthquakes are specified by magnitude and
location with respect to the site. Usually, the earthquakes are assumed to occur at the
source closest to the site. The site ground motions are estimated deterministically, given
the magnitude, source-to-site distance and site conditions. DSHA is the standard
process used to estimate the seismic ground motion parameters for the Maximum
Credible Earthquake (MCE) and is typically conducted using a site-specific analysis.
(b) Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA). The PSHA approach uses the
elements of the DSHA and adds an assessment of the likelihood that ground motions
will occur during a specified time period. The probability (frequency of occurrence) of
different magnitude earthquakes on each significant seismic source and inherent
uncertainties are directly accounted for in the analysis. The results of a PSHA are used
to select the site ground motions based on the acceptable probability of exceedance
during the service life of the structure for a given return period.
(c) General. The state-of-the-art for assessing ground motion parameters is
constantly evolving. While new and better earthquake data are constantly being
compiled, instrumental recordings of seismic ground motions are still limited to about
100 years of information. This period of record is short, forcing extrapolation of results to
make PSHA estimates of ground motions for events with an Annual Chance
Exceedence (ACE) of less than 1E-02 (i.e., less frequent than once in 100 years). In
most studies, these extrapolations incorporate certain assumptions about “expected
value” trends and associated variance distributions that might not be accurate and in
many cases may be overly conservative. For example, the earth’s crust may not be
capable of transmitting accelerations estimated from extrapolation, thus overstating
expected shaking. This means that PSHA estimates of ground motion parameters may
be much larger than DSHA estimates for events with similar ACEs, even when the
PSHA uses the same seismic source and attenuation information.
7. Design Earthquakes and Ground Motions.
a. Maximum Credible Earthquake (MCE). The MCE is defined as the largest
earthquake that can reasonably be expected to be generated by a specific source on
the basis of seismological and geological evidence. Since a project site may be
affected by earthquakes generated by various sources, each with its own fault
mechanism, maximum earthquake magnitude, and distance from the site, multiple
MCE’s may be defined for the site, each with its own characteristic ground-motion
parameters and spectral shape. The MCE is evaluated using DSHA methods informed
by results from a PSHA. Since different sources may result in differing spectral
characteristics, selection of “maximum” ground motion parameters may need to
consider different sources and magnitude events to represent the full range of possible
maximum loadings e.g., peak ground acceleration from one source may be higher than
from another, but reversed for 1s spectral acceleration values. Therefore, both sources
may need to be considered in analysis to assess the full range of potential “maximum”
loadings. There is no return period for the MCE.
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b. Maximum Design Earthquake (MDE). The MDE is the maximum level of ground
motion for which a structure is designed or evaluated. The associated performance
requirement is that the project performs without loss of life or catastrophic failure (such
as an uncontrolled release of a reservoir) although severe damage or economic loss
may be tolerated. For critical features, the MDE is the same as the MCE. For all other
features, the minimum MDE is an event with a 10% probability of exceedance in 100
years (average return period of 950 years) assessed using a PSHA informed by the
results of a site-specific DSHA. A shorter or longer return period for non-critical features
can be justified by the project team based on the Hazard Potential Classification for Civil
Works Projects in Appendix B, Table B-1. A project with a low hazard potential
classification may consider return periods less than 950 years, while projects with a
significant or high hazard potential classification may consider longer return periods.
The MDE can be characterized as a deterministic or probabilistic event.
c. Operating Basis Earthquake (OBE). The OBE is an earthquake that can
reasonably be expected to occur within the service life of the project, typically a 50%
probability of exceedance in 100 years (average return period of 144 years) assessed
using a PSHA informed by the results of a site-specific DSHA. The associated
performance requirement is that the project functions with little or no damage and
without interruption of function. The purpose of the OBE is to protect against economic
losses from damage or loss of service, therefore, alternative choices of return periods
for the OBE may be based on economic considerations.
d. Estimating OBE and MDE Ground Motions. Estimates are usually made in two
phases. The first estimates are used as a starting point for the study and shall be
obtained from USGS spectral acceleration maps. The method to develop standard
response spectra and effective peak ground acceleration for the required probability of
exceedance (return period) for OBE and MDE is described in EM 1110-2-6053,
Appendices B and C. Site-specific studies in accordance with paragraph 6g(2) are
often required for selecting the final estimates of OBE and MDE ground motions. Both
DSHA and PSHA approaches are appropriate. Combining the results of deterministic
and probabilistic analyses is often an effective approach for selecting MDE ground
motions. Typical results of a probabilistic analysis include a hazard curve and an equal
hazard spectrum, which relate the level of ground motion to an annual frequency of
exceedance or return period. This information can be used to complement the
deterministic analysis by removing from consideration seismic sources that appear
unreasonable because of low frequencies of occurrence, by justifying median or
median-plus-standard deviation estimates of deterministic ground motion, or by
ensuring consistency of MDE ground motions with a performance goal.
8. Site Characterizations.
a. Site Studies. The two primary concerns in the site characterization for a project
are the effects of the ground motion on the site (such as loss of strength in foundation
materials and instability of natural slopes), and the effects of soil strata and topographic
conditions (basin effects, or ray path focus). These can influence propagation of the
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specified ground motion from a rock outcrop to a particular project feature. The
objective of a site characterization study is to obtain all of the data on the site conditions
that are required to design or to operate a project safely. The relevant site conditions
shall include the topographic and hydrologic conditions, the nature and extent of
foundation materials, the embankment, the natural slopes, the structures at the site and
the physical and dynamic engineering properties (such as modulus, damping, density,
and cyclic strain softening) of these materials. The site characterization shall be of a
progressive nature starting with information from available sources on the geology,
seismicity, and project features. A description of the site shall include geology and
seismicity (such as known faulting in the region, seismic history, and prior seismic
evaluations in the vicinity), and a review of the construction history and of any data
related to the project features at or proposed for the site.
b. New Projects. For new projects, field exploration and material testing programs
shall be developed to identify the stratigraphy and the physical and engineering
properties of the foundation materials at the project features. Prior field investigations in
the project area shall be evaluated to provide additional information.
c. Existing Projects. For evaluation or re-evaluation of existing projects, new field
investigations may be required where available data are insufficient.
9. Concrete and Steel Structures and Substructures.
a. Role of Structural Engineers. Methods for seismic studies/designs vary greatly
with the type of structure or substructure. Structural engineers shall be involved in the
selection of ground motions from the earliest stages of a study. Their understanding of
the ground motions in the form of peak ground acceleration, response spectra, and time
histories will be used in the structural analysis as it proceeds through progressively
more sophisticated stages as needed to reach definitive conclusions and make sound
decisions. Dynamic characteristics are important when selecting design events to
assure adequate demand levels in the period range of interest (i.e., near the natural
period of the structure). The structural engineer will establish how response spectra and
time-histories from standard and site-specific studies will be used in the structural
investigations. This progression is related to the level of accuracy or sophistication
required by the model and to address inherent uncertainties.
b. Design Standards for Buildings and Bridges. New building designs and upgrades
to existing buildings must be in accordance with the requirements of the 2012 Edition of
the International Building Code. Bridges on civil works projects shall be designed in
accordance with the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials
(AASHTO) and state design standards, and evaluated in accordance with Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) and state design standards.
c. Design Requirements for Concrete and Steel Hydraulic Structures. Seismic
design requirements for concrete and steel hydraulic structures (CSHS) are provided in
EM 1110-2-2104 Strength Design for Reinforced Concrete Hydraulic Structures, and
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EM 1110-2-6053 Earthquake Design and Evaluation of Concrete Hydraulic Structures.
It is noted that in ETL 1110-2-584, Design of Hydraulic Steel Structures, earthquake
loading required for design is currently limited to the operating basis earthquake (OBE)
only; this part of the ETL is under consideration for revision by USACE. Design of CSHS
must also be in accordance with all applicable references listed in Appendix A. Visual
inspections should also be performed of hydraulic steel structures after an unusual
earthquake, in accordance with EM 1110-2-6054, “Inspection, Evaluation, and Repair of
Hydraulic Steel Structures”. Such an inspection would be considered a “Special
Inspection” in accordance with ER 1110-2-8157, “Responsibility for Hydraulic Steel
Structures”.
d. Load Combinations. Design load combinations for CSHS must be in accordance
with EM 1110-2-2100 Stability Analysis of Concrete Structures and in accordance with
the referenced USACE design guidance for specific structures. In general, CSHS must
have adequate stability, strength, and serviceability to resist an OBE and MDE. The
structural and operating requirements are different for these two levels of earthquakes,
and either level may control the design or evaluation. The structure should essentially
respond elastically to the OBE event with no disruption to service. The structure may
be allowed to respond inelastically to the MDE event, which may result in significant
structural damage and limited disruption of services, but the structure must not collapse
or endanger lives. Economic considerations will be a factor in determining the
acceptable level of damage. In general, the OBE is an unusual loading condition, and
the MDE is an extreme loading condition.
e. Analysis Methods. Techniques used to evaluate the structural response to
earthquake ground motions include seismic coefficient methods, response spectrum
methods, and time-history methods. Using a seismic coefficient equal to 2/3 PGA or 2/3
EPGA is consistent with the stability analyses contained in EM 1110-2-2100. Details of
these methods of analysis can be found in the references listed in Appendix A (EM
1110-2-2100, EM 1110-2-6050, EM 1110-2-6051, and EM 1110-2-6053). Simplified
response spectrum analysis procedures are available for some types of CSHS, for
example, concrete gravity and arch dams (EM 1110-2-2200; EM 1110-2-2201) and
intake towers (EM 1110-2-2400). These methods utilize idealized cross sections and
make assumptions concerning the structure’s response to ground motions and its
interaction with the foundation and reservoir. The validity of these assumptions should
be carefully examined for each project prior to using any simplified analysis procedure.
In most cases, these methods will be sufficient for use in feasibility level studies. The
seismic coefficient method should not be used for final design of any structure where an
earthquake loading condition is the controlling load case. Final design for a project in
moderate or high seismic hazard regions shall use either response-spectrum or time-
history methods.
f. Input from Ground Motion Studies. Site-specific ground motion studies required in
accordance with paragraph 6g(2) at a minimum, should provide the magnitude,
duration, and site-specific values for the peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground
velocity (PGV), peak ground displacement (PGD), and the design response spectra and
ER 1110-2-1806
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time-histories in both orthogonal horizontal directions and the vertical direction at the
ground surface or at a rock outcrop. Site-specific studies should also consider soil-
structure interaction effects which may influence ground motions at the base of the
structure.
g. Analysis Progression. An important aspect of the design, analysis, or evaluation
process is to develop an analytical model of the structure and substructure that can
adequately represent seismic behavior. The analysis process should be performed in
phases of increasing complexity beginning with simplified empirical procedures. These
procedures are based on satisfactory experience with similar types of structural
materials and systems and observations of failure due to strong ground motions. These
general requirements are outlined in Appendix E. Performing the analysis in phases
results in the analytical model providing realistic results and forms a logical basis for
decisions to revise the structural configuration and/or proceed to a more accurate
analysis method. The model used in the structural analysis can range from a simple
two-dimensional (2D) beam model to a sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) finite
element model. All three components of ground motion may be required to capture the
total system response. Dynamic analyses of most massive concrete structures will
usually require a model that includes interaction with the surrounding soil, rock, and
water. Differences in structural shapes and variations in foundation materials or ground
motion should be accounted for in evaluating the spatial variation in response between
points on large structures. The structural significance of mode shapes must be
considered, especially when evaluating the stresses using a response spectrum
analysis. The results of a finite element analysis of a reinforced concrete structure shall
be expressed in terms of moment, thrust, and shear. Areas where inelastic behavior is
anticipated shall be identified and the concrete confinement requirements stated. In
general, linear time-history methods applied to 2D or 3D models will provide the most
complete understanding of structural performance during an earthquake. If a design is
found to be inadequate using linear time-history methods of analysis, then nonlinear
time-history methods shall be considered. Such methods are beyond the scope of this
ER and must be conducted in consultation with CECW-CE.
h. Seismic Design Principles. It is important to incorporate sound seismic
engineering concepts in all aspects of the design or evaluation process. In all instances,
the design engineer shall minimize geometric irregularities in the structural
configuration, avoid abrupt variations in structural stiffness, and properly detail any
structural discontinuities to account for localized effects of stress concentrations.
Continuous load paths, load path redundancy, and ductility will improve performance
after extensive cracking and are important safe-guards against collapse.
10. Embankments, Slopes and Soil Foundations.
a. Role of Geologists, Seismologists, and Geotechnical Engineers. The seismic
evaluation and design of soil foundations, slopes, and embankments involves the
interaction of geologists, seismologists, and geotechnical engineers. The activities for
this effort can be grouped into four main areas: 1) field investigations, 2) site
ER 1110-2-1806
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10
characterization, 3) numerical analyses, and 4) evaluation. It is essential that the
investigations and site characterization adequately portray the nature, extent, and in-
situ physical properties of the materials in the foundation, embankment, or slope being
investigated. The geologists, seismologists, and geotechnical engineers will select the
most effective methods to determine the uncertainties which must be dealt with correctly
and consistently so that the final result will be reliable and safe but not overly
conservative.
b. Embankments. Appropriate methods shall be used to analyze the liquefaction
potential and/or to estimate the deformations for embankments (e.g., dams, dikes,
levees that retain permanent pool), slopes, and foundation materials.
c. Slopes and Foundations. Slopes to be analyzed shall include natural, reservoir
rim, and other slopes, with or without structures, that have the potential to affect the
safety or function of the project. All foundation materials that support or affect project
features are to be analyzed for liquefaction. The results of investigations and data
review as described in paragraph 7 and the seismological evaluation will assess the
appropriate methods, including dynamic analysis, to be performed on the project.
d. Evaluations. Evaluation shall be performed on embankments, slopes, and/or
foundations that are susceptible to liquefaction or excessive deformation for all projects
located in high seismic hazard regions, along with those projects located in moderate
seismic hazard regions where materials susceptible to liquefaction or excessive
deformation are suspected. This evaluation and analysis shall also be performed
regardless of the seismic region location of the project, where capable faults are located
or recent earthquakes have occurred.
e. Design Features. Certain design features shall be incorporated, to the greatest
extent possible, into the foundation and embankment design regardless of the method
of seismic analysis. The details of these features shall be optimized based on the
results of the analysis. These design features include, but are not limited to the
following;
(1) Additional dam height to accommodate the loss of crest elevation due to
deformation, slumping, or fault displacement.
(2) Crest details that will minimize erosion in the event of overtopping.
(3) Wider transition and filter sections to resist cracking.
(4) Use of rounded or subrounded gravel and sand as filter material.
(5) Adequate permeability of the filter layers.
(6) Near-vertical drainage zones in the central portion of the embankment.
(7) Zoning of the embankment to minimize saturation of materials.
ER
1110-2-1806
31
May 16
(8) Wide, impeNious cores of plastic clay materials to accommodate deformation.
(9) Well-graded core and filter materials to ensure self healing
in
the event cracking
should occur.
(10)
Stabilization of reseNoir rim slopes to provide safety against large slides into the
reseNoir.
(11) Removal and replacement, in-situ densification, and/or drainage of foundation
materials susceptible to liquefaction.
(12)
Stabilization of slopes adjacent to operating facilities to prevent blockage from a
slide associated with the earthquake.
(13) Flaring of embankment sections at the abutment and concrete contacts.
11. Actions for New Projects.
For new projects, the phases of study required for the seismic analysis and design shall
be
in
accordance with ER 1110-2-1150, shall progress as described
in
Appendix E and
must be
in
compliance with SMART planning principles.
12. Actions for Existing Projects.
Seismic evaluation requirements are summarized
in
Appendix
F.
The seismic
evaluation report must adequately explain any seismic deficiency. Also
an
outline of
additional investigations that are required to assess risk shall be assembled. Methods
to upgrade the project
to
meet current seismic criteria should also be listed. The
evaluation of existing structures should
be
done
in
accordance with ER 1110-2-1156
"Safety of Dams - Policy and Procedures". This report must be submitted for approval
to
HQUSACE, CECW-CE through the major subordinate command.
FOR THE COMMANDER:
6 Appendices
U_fi~
D.
PETER HELMLINGER
COL,
EN
Chief
of
Staff
11
ER 1110-2-1806
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ER 1110-2-1806
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A-1
Appendix A
REFERENCES
ER 1110-2-1150 Engineering and Design for Civil Works Projects
ER 1110-2-1156 Safety of Dams Policy and Procedures
ER 1110-2-8157, “Responsibility for Hydraulic Steel Structures”
EM 1110-2-2100 Stability Analysis of Concrete Structures
EM 1110-2-2201 Arch Dam Design
EM 1110-2-2104 Strength Design for Reinforced Concrete Hydraulic Structures
ETL 1110-2-584 Design of Hydraulic Steel Structures
EM 1110-2-2200 Gravity Dam Design
EM 1110-2-2400 Structural Design and Evaluation of Outlet Works
EM 1110-2-6050 Response Spectra and Seismic Analysis for Concrete Hydraulic
Structures
EM 1110-2-6051 Time-History Dynamic Analysis of Concrete Hydraulic Structures
EM 1110-2-6053 Earthquake Design and Evaluation of Concrete Hydraulic Structures
EM 1110-2-6054 “Inspection, Evaluation, and Repair of Hydraulic Steel Structures
U.S. Geological Survey. 2014. National seismic hazard maps. Reston, VA: U.S.
Department of Interior.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/products/conterminous/2014/HazardMap2014_lg.jpg
U.S. Geological Survey. 2009. Quaternary fault and fold database of the United States.
Reston, VA: United States Geological Survey.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/hazards/qfaults/
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (current edition).
AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications Washington, DC.
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (current edition).
AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design. Washington, DC.
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A-2
Federal Highway Administration. 1995. Seismic retrofitting manual for highway bridges.
FHWA-RD-94-052. I. G. Buckle and I. M. Friedland, ed. McLean, VA.
Federal Highway Administration and Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake
Engineering Research 2009. Seismic retrofitting manual for highway structures: Part 1
Bridges. FHWA-HRT-06-032. I. G. Buckle and I. M. Friedland, ed. McLean, VA.
Federal Highway Administration and Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake
Engineering Research. 2009. Seismic retrofitting manual for highway structures: Part 2
Retaining structures, slopes, tunnels, culverts and pavement. FHWA-HRT-05-067. I.
G. Buckle and I. M. Friedland, ed. McLean, VA.
International Building Code 2012 Edition (IBC 2012)
ER 1110-2-111 USACE Bridge Safety Program
EM 1110-2-1902 Stability of Earth and Rock fill Dams
EM 1110-2-2502 Retaining and Flood Walls
EM 1110-2-2504 Design of Sheet Pile Walls
EM 1110-2-2602 Planning and Design of Navigation Locks
EM 1110-2-2607 Planning and Design of Navigation Dams
EM 1110-2-2906 Design of Pile Foundation
EM 1110-2-3104 Structural and Architectural Design of Pumping Stations
American Society of Civil Engineers/Structural Engineering Institute. 2010. Minimum
design loads for buildings and other structures. ASCE/SEI 7-10.
American Society of Civil Engineers/Structural Engineering Institute. 2013. Seismic
rehabilitation of existing buildings. ASCE/SEI 41-13.
Ebeling, R. M. 1992. Introduction to the computation of response spectrum for
earthquake loading. Technical Report ITL-92-4. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer
Waterways Experiment Station.
Hynes-Griffin, M. E., and Franklin, A. G. 1984. Rationalizing the seismic coefficient
method. Miscellaneous Paper GL-84-13. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer
Waterways Experiment Station.
Idriss, I. M., and Archuleta, R. J. 2007. Evaluation of earthquake ground motions (Draft
06.5).
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APPENDIX B
Table B-1
HAZARD POTENTIAL CLASSIFICATION
FOR CIVIL WORKS PROJECTS
Category
1
Hazard
Potential
Classification
Direct
Loss of Life
2
Lifeline
Losses
3
Property
Losses
4
Environmental
Losses
5
Low
None Expected
No disruption of
services
repairs are
cosmetic or
rapidly
repairable
damage
Private
agricultural
lands,
equipment, and
isolated
buildings
Minimal
incremental
damage
Significant
None Expected
Disruption of
essential
facilities and
access
Major or
extensive
public and
private facilities
Major or
extensive
mitigation
required or
impossible to
mitigate
High
Probable (one
or more)
Disruption of
critical facilities
and access
Extensive
public and
private facilities
Extensive
mitigation cost
or impossible to
mitigate
1
Categories are based upon project performance and are not applicable to individual
structures within a project.
2
Loss of life potential based upon inundation mapping of area downstream of the project.
Analyses of loss of life potential should take into account the population at risk, time of flood
wave travel, and warning time.
3
Indirect threats to life caused by the interruption of lifeline services due to project
failure or operation (i.e., direct loss of (or access to) critical medical facilities).
4
Direct economic impact of property damages to project facilities and downstream
property and indirect economic impact due to loss of project services (i.e., impact on navigation
industry of the loss of a dam and navigation pool or impact upon a community of the loss of
water or power supply).
5
Environmental impact downstream caused by the incremental flood wave produced by
the project failure beyond which would normally be expected for the magnitude flood event
under which the failure occurred.
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APPENDIX C
Seismic Hazard in USA
(Based on USGS maps of 2013)
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APPENDIX D
Seismic Study- Flow Chart
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APPENDIX E
PROGRESSIVE SEISMIC ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS
FOR CONCRETE AND STEEL HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES
Table E-1 shows the progression of seismic analyses required for each phase of project
design. Additional guidance concerning these methods of analysis is provided in
paragraphs 9e and 9g and in the references in Appendix A. The types of project seismic
studies are described in paragraphs 6h and 11.
Table E-1
Seismic Analysis Progression
Seismic Hazard
Region
Project Stage
Reconnaissance
Feasibility
PED
1
Low
E
SCM
RS
2
Moderate
E
SCM
RS
SCM
2
RS
2
TH
3
High
SCM
RS
2
RS
TH
3
RS
4
or TH
TH
3
Note:
E = Experience of the structural design engineer
SCM = Seismic coefficient method of analysis
RS = Response spectrum analysis
TH = Time-history analysis
1
If the project proceeds directly from feasibility to plans and specifications stage, seismic design
documentation must be required for all projects in high seismic hazard region and projects for which a TH
analysis is required.
2
Seismic loading condition controls design of an unprecedented structure or unusual configuration or
adverse foundation conditions.
3
Seismic loading controls the design requiring linear or nonlinear time-history analysis.
4
RS should be used in high seismic hazard region for the feasibility and PED phases of project
development only if it can be demonstrated that phenomena sensitive to frequency content (i.e., soil
structure interaction and structure-reservoir interaction) can be adequately modeled in an RS.
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APPENDIX F
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS
FOR SEISMIC EVALUATION REPORTS
The following outline summarizes the reporting requirements for seismic design and
evaluation studies for both standard seismic studies and site-specific seismic studies as
described in paragraph 6h. These are minimum requirements.
F-1. Summary of Applicable Seismic Criteria.
a. Hazard potential classification from Appendix B, Table B-1 (Include
consequences of project failure)
b. Ground Motion Study and Flow Chart (Appendix D), Seismic Hazard Region
from map in Appendix C
c. Design earthquakes; MCE, MDE and OBE
d. Provide PGA, PGD, PGV, duration and response spectra for each earthquake
e. Define critical project features (See paragraph 6a)
f. Impact of seismic loads on project design (for new designs)
g. Impact of seismic loads on project safety (for existing projects)
F-2. Description of Seismic Design or Evaluation Procedure.
a. Progressive seismic analysis process (Appendix E)
b. Input motions used in the analysis
c. Loading combinations analyzed
d. Modeling techniques used for the following; Structure, Soil-Structure
Interaction, Structure-Reservoir Interaction, Attenuation of ground motion
e. Material properties, including mass, stiffness and damping properties
f. Computer programs used in the analysis including dynamic analysis programs
and ground motion programs
F-3. Presentation of Results of Ground Motion Studies.
a. Standard spectra used for preliminary studies and/or final designs
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b. DSHA site-specific design response spectra, MCE (Median) and MCE (84
th
percentile)
c. PSHA site-specific response spectra. Equal hazard median spectra for return
periods evaluated at the site.
d. Time-history records including; Natural time-history records used for final
design, synthetic time-history records used for final design (natural time-histories
modified to match target design response spectrum analysis), natural time-history
scaling procedures, synthetic time-history development procedures, and comparison of
time-histories with design response spectra
F-4. Results of Dynamic Analysis.
a. Periods of vibration and mode shapes, modal mass participation factors, and
modal combination procedure
b. Governing loads and load combinations
c. Maximum forces (moments and shears)/or stresses where appropriate, and
maximum displacements
d. Time-history analysis including plots of stress (or forces) with time for critical
location, plots of displacements with time, including the procedure used to determine
effective stresses and stress contour plots
e. Stability results including resultant locations and sliding factors of safety
F-5. Structural Design Performance Guidelines.
The structure should be configured to include a simple arrangement of structural
elements with clearly defined load paths that provide sufficient ductility and redundancy.
Configurations and geometries that complicate load path behavior add to the complexity
of analysis and uncertainty in predicting structural performance and should be avoided
to the greatest extent possible. These include but are not limited to:
a. Large changes in structure stiffness
b. Large changes in structure mass
c. Interaction of two or more structural components through a common base
d. Significant column transfers or offsets
e. Gravity-induced horizontal shear forces caused by system eccentricities
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f. Limited connectivity of bracing elements
Consideration should also be made to target yielding to occur in components that
are capable of ductile response. Some of the desirable modes of inelastic response
include:
a. Flexural yielding in reinforced concrete elements
b. Tension yielding in structural steel braces and tension/compression yielding in
buckling-restrained braces
c. Post-buckling compression in non-structural steel braces
d. Shear yielding in structural steel components such as panel zones in moment
frames and shear links in eccentric braced frames
e. Yielding in ductile fuses or energy dissipation devices
F-6. Results of Embankment Analyses.
a. Material properties assumptions
b. Shear strength parameters
c. Pool loading and seismic loading conditions
d. Seepage/pore pressure measurements or assumptions
e. Pseudostatic slope stability analyses
f. Embankment evaluation including materials zoning/saturations, seismic
loading/amplification, trial failure surfaces, method of analysis and liquefaction/lateral
spread evaluations
g. Discussion of shell, filter zones and impervious core
h. Discussion of cyclic strain softening of fine-grained soils in high seismic
regions, if appropriate
i. Settlement/internal deformation potential
j. Damage potential evaluation of internal features
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F-7. Results of Foundation Analyses.
a. Foundation site classification and ground motion amplification including IBC site
classification, site-specific field measurements/investigations, and shake analysis
b. Foundation liquefaction potential including site-specific field investigations, site-
specific soil profile and liquefaction screening level evaluation
c. Foundation lateral spread potential and bearing capacity
d. Foundation settlement and deformation analyses
e. Drainage susceptibility to seismically induced damage
f. Seismically induced landslides potential in abutments
g. Seismically induced landslides and seiche wave potential in reservoir area
F-8. Verification of Analysis Results.
a. Comparison of simplified procedure results with dynamic analysis results
b. Comparison of response spectra with time-history results
c. Comparison of results with similar type structures