Physics-informed computational framework for assessing the seismic behavior of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Dam

Dams in seismically active regions require rigorous structural assessment to ensure safety and protect downstream communities. To address this challenge, the present study integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM), Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling, and real-time structural health monitoring into a novel framework for seismic evaluation of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Dam in the Agadir region of Morocco. A detailed BIM-based digital replica of the dam was developed to ensure seamless interoperability with FEM simulations and incorporation of on-site sensor data. This integrated approach captured different displacement patterns during the magnitude 6.8 earthquake on September 8, 2023. The dam abutments experienced noticeable increases in longitudinal displacement, while the central vault remained largely stable. The FEM analysis corroborated the field measurements, indicating that critical structural elements (for example, concrete block joints) remained within acceptable stress limits, thus preserving the structural integrity of the dam during the event. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining BIM, advanced numerical modeling, and real-time monitoring in accurately characterizing dam behavior under seismic loading. The findings underscore the value of such an integrated digital modeling strategy for improving dam seismic safety and resilience, informing predictive modeling of future performance, and guiding proactive risk management in dam safety and seismic risk assessment.