ABSTRACT: Equivalent Linear Dynamic analyses have been performed for the highest dam with asphalt concrete core in Iran (Shur River dam) under seismic forces. The dam has 85 meters height and is under construction in an area with high earthquake hazard with MDE equal to 0.8 g. Different stages of construction and impounding were analyzed using the elasto-plastic model with Finite Element Method. Newmark approach utilizing the software Quake/W and Slope/W from Geostudio 2007 package were used to investigate asphaltic core behavior under earthquake loading. It is concluded that deformations along a predefined failure surface is composed of a circular arc that terminates at the upstream embankment crest. Estimated deformation with Slope/W using the Newmark method could have a value in excess of 2.0 m so that earthquake shock can lead to developing some cracks and increasing permeability of asphalt in the upper part of the core. Furthermore under sever shaking; shearing off of the thin core near the crest may occur.

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