Abstract
It is of great significance to study the cracking risk, the overall stability, and the reinforcement measures of arch dams for ensuring long-term safety. In this study, the cracking types and factors of arch dams are summarized. By employing a nonlinear constitutive model relating to the yielding region, a fine three-dimensional finite element simulation of the Xulong arch dam is conducted. The results show that the dam cracking risk is localized around the outlets, the dam heel, and the left abutment. Five dam stress zones are proposed to analysis dam cracking state base of numerical results. It is recommended to use a shearing-resistance wall in the fault f57, replace the biotite enrichment zone with concrete and perform consolidation grouting or anchoring on the excavated exposed weak structural zone. Three safety factors of the Xulong arch dam are obtained, K_1 = 2~2.5; K_2 = 5; K_3 = 8.5, and the overall stability of the Xulong arch dam is guaranteed. This study demonstrates the significance of the cracking control of similar high arch dams.
Highlights
A series of super-high arch dams have been constructed or are being planned in China
The complex geological conditions may lead to the crack of dam concrete or foundation, which eventually leads to dam failure [4]
Adopting to increase the bulk density of the upstream water (Figure 3a), the yielding region of dam and foundation is simulated under overloading condition
Summary
A series of super-high arch dams (height over 200 m) have been constructed or are being planned in China. Most of them are distributed in the mountainous areas in southwest China (Figure 1), and are subject to complex engineering challenges, such as high seismic intensity, high slope, huge water thrust, and so forth. The complex geological conditions may lead to the crack of dam concrete or foundation, which eventually leads to dam failure [4]. The construction of super-high arch dams still faces many challenges. The main cracking factors include temperature variations, heat from concrete hydration, shrinkage and creep, dam foundation uncoordinated deformation, earthquake, and seepage effect [4]
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