Stability analysis of concrete gravity dam using FEM

Abstract

Analyses of mechanical, thermal and filtration processes in the large gravity dam and surrounding rock mass were performed and presented. The analyses were conducted within the stability analysis of the dam Djerdap 1. The dam was thoroughly modelled according to the project documentation in order to detect potential flaws or failure of specific parts of dam system. Additionally, it is possible to analyze dam stability during potential failure of specific parts of drainage system. Since the dam lies on a very complex fundament, material characteristics are assigned to each finite element according to geological maps obtained through testing of materials. All the loads influencing the dam in exploitation conditions (mechanical, thermal and filtration loads) are applied to the model. In order to consider the interaction of different processes, a coupled analysis was conducted. After the preliminary FEM analyses, obtained results were compared to the measured values, upon which the input parameters where accordingly corrected. For such adopted input parameters, dam safety factors were calculated in repeated analyses. Model calibration was not performed.