Abstract
We use fuzzy finite element method (FEM) to analyze the impact of cold wave on face slab cracking of a concrete-faced rockfill dam (CFRD). The static response of dam and the temperature field of face slab are calculated using deterministic FEM since some observed and test data can be obtained. Some parameters of Goodman contact element between face slabs and cushion material are selected as fuzzy variables, and the fuzzy FEM is used to calculate fuzzy stress of face slab. The fuzzy FEM is implemented using vertex method based on the extension principle. Through the analysis of two selected calculation cases of cold wave, it is shown that the calculated cracking direction and cracking zone caused by thermal stress are similar to those of the observed cracks. This proves that the cold wave that caused swift air temperature drop is an important reason for the cracking of face slab. According to these analysis results, some cracking prevention measures are then proposed.
Highlights
The method of finding reasonable and effective structural damage prevention and treatment measures with the help of finite element method (FEM) has been widely applied to hydraulic engineering
The fuzzy FEM proposed by Rao and Sawyer [2] is another way to solve this problem
While the deterministic FEM provides us with a deterministic value, the fuzzy FEM provides us with some different values with their possibility distribution
Summary
The method of finding reasonable and effective structural damage prevention and treatment measures with the help of finite element method (FEM) has been widely applied to hydraulic engineering. In the above studies on the cracking behavior of face slab, the deterministic FEM is adopted and the uncertainty of material parameters is not taken into account, which may make the analysis results have great difference with practical situation. In order to make the analysis result more reliable, in our following research, the load of construction stage, impounding stage, cold wave that caused thermal stress, and the uncertainties of material parameters are all taken into account. Some parameters of contact element are taken as fuzzy variables, and the fuzzy stress of face slab is calculated using fuzzy FEM Based on these analysis results, some conclusions are drawn, and some suggestions to prevent the further cracking of face slab are proposed in the final of this work
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