Using of gap element for contraction joints modeling in seismic analysis of concrete arch dams

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is the analysis of the gap element and contact element application in the seismic analysis of contraction joints on concrete arch dams. The goal is to justify the use of gap element for contact modeling because they are more efficient in terms of computation time than contact elements. For the purpose of verification, comparative analysis obtained using the non-linear gap element and contact element between the cantilevers (verification models) in software Simcenter Femap with NX Nastran. For consideration of the set problem, two verification models with the same dimensions, loads, and type of finite elements (FE) and FE mesh density, but with differently modeled contraction joint between cantilevers were analyzed. The boundary conditions and loads are the same in both considered verification FE models. Cantilevers are modeled using 3D 8-node finite elements. Absolute and relative displacements in the contact regions in verification models were considered in dependence of the contact model. After the verification of the contraction joint modeling, the same type of analysis was performed using a real model. For a real 3D model, the concrete arch dam was used, with given loads and boundary conditions. The modeling of the contraction joint using gap element between the cantilevers of the concrete arch dam was done primarily due to the savings of computation time.