Effect of Contraction Joints on Structural Behavior of Double Curvature Concrete Dam Subject to Dynamic Loading

Abstract

A double curvature arch dam considers as complex mega structure built for the hydropower or agriculture national goals. Arch dam cost effective is less compared to other types of dams, construction a safe and stable of arch dam depending on intelligent formation of dam layouts. This work conducted to explore the structural behavior of the double curvature arch concrete dam under the variation effect of the distance in between the contraction joints. The dam blocks divided and distributed as seven intervals of the distance between the blocks of the dam as 15,17.5,20,22.5,25, 27.5, and 30 m. Stresses analysis of arch dam conducted to study the effects of these intervals on the structural behavior of double curvature concrete dam when the water in the reservoir at the operation level. Arch dam data input considered the Nonlinearity in both of dam shape and concrete materials properties to evaluate the maximum and minimum principal stresses at the top of the crown cantilever, and the maximum principal stresses along the crest path of the upstream face. Finite element and building information modeling tools (Revit – Abaqus6.13) were considered during the modeling and analysis process. The results show that the dam must be simulated for a specific interval of distance between each two contraction joints are 20 to 22.5 meter and the optimum selection to this interval of contractions joints leads to increase the structural stability status of the arch dam.