Ouzandja, Djamel2018-11-212018-11-212017-05http://dspace.univ-msila.dz:8080//xmlui/handle/123456789/6406This paper aims to present the three-dimensional nonlinear seismic response of concrete gravity dams considering contact elements at dam-reservoir interaction interface. Dam-reservoir contact interface is modeled with three-dimensional surface-to-surface contact elements based on the Coulomb’s friction. A numerical investigation of the effect of hydrodynamic interaction and sliding of the water along the dam-reservoir interface is performed. The maximum horizontal displacements and principal stresses in the different sections of the dam are presented as well as seismic behavior of dam is examined in empty and full reservoir cases. Besides, the damage placements in the concrete dam are evaluated.enConcrete gravity dam; dynamic dam-reservoir interaction; Lagrangian approach; contact elements; nonlinear seismic response; finite element methodArticle