Stability analysis of concrete arch dam using finite element method

Abstract

This paper presents the procedure of numerical stability analysis of a concrete arch dam using the finite element method. Based on the geometry of the dam and the associated rock mass, an optimal finite element mesh of the model was created. Boundary conditions and loads were set so that they correspond to the real conditions of exploitation of the dam. The rock mass is divided into five quasi-homogeneous zones in accordance with the geological maps obtained from the field survey. The mechanical behavior of the dam model and the surrounding rock mass is described using the Hoek- Brown material model. The parameters of the material model were obtained through the identification process using experimental tests of soil samples at the site and in the vicinity of the structure. Numerical simulations of filtration, thermal and stress- deformation processes at the dam are performed using PAK software. In the presented analysis, the control of the permissible compressive and tensile stresses is performed according to the USBR recommendations, where the distance between the actual stress and the permissible stress in the concrete is shown. The global safety factor of the dam is determined using the shear strength reduction method.