Evaluation of the strength of the compressed zone in a hollow gravity dam

Abstract

1. The strength of a gravity dam of reduced mass with a facing is determined by the behavior of the compressed zone. 2. The most stressed part of the compressed zone is located between elevations 26 and 38 m at the linkage of the rectilinear and curvilinear parts of the downstream face. The principal compressive stresses produced by the acting loads reach 50–60 kgf/cm2 in this zone. 3. The structure falls when the principal compressive stresses in its most stressed part reach the prism strength of concrete. 4. At loads corresponding to normal operating conditions the safety factor, of a reduced-mass dam constructed of concrete grade 200 is 2.7–3 according to the data of testing brittle models. 5. When the construction joints are given high-quality treatment the compressive strength of the concrete is not reduced. 6. The safety factor of a reduced-mass dam with respect to shear along the construction joints treated according to the method used at the Toktogul station is higher than the safety factor of the most stressed zone.