Title:
Simplified Finite Element Analysis of Cracked Concrete Arch Dam
Author(s):
M. Asgjar BhattiI, Susanto Teng, and William D. Ashton
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
16
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
53-57
Keywords:
arch dams; cracking (fracturing); finite element method; mathematical models; stress analysis; Design
DOI:
Date:
1/1/1994
Abstract:
Most finite element analyses of concrete arch dams deal with regular uncracked arch dams of symmetrical geometry. This analysis deals with an irregular, geometrically unsymmetrical, arch dam in which several major vertical and horizontal through-the-thickness cracks were formed shortly after the dam was put into operation. A complete three-dimensional finite element analysis of the dam was deemed necessary to investigate the safety of the dam against possible failure. A combination of spring elements and coupled-nodal degrees-of-freedom were used to model each crack while solid parabolic brick elements were used to model the concrete dam and the surrounding rock. Parametric study was performed to select suitable values of the spring constants. A convergence study on the fineness of element mesh for the dam was performed.