Experimental Modal Analysis and Structural Health Monitoring of the Double Curvature Deriner Arch Dam

Abstract

Arch dams have delicate sections thanks to their curvature. The fact that these dams are large, costly and construction takes many years increases the importance of the structure. Mistakes and / or accidents that may occur during the construction of such structures may occur major loss of life and property. Considering the volumes, masses and slenderness of arch dams, they can be significantly affected by dynamic forces such as changing water pressure, temperature, wind and earthquakes. The level of these effects and to what extent they affect the dam can be determined by the analysis to be made to finite element model created by computer. Since Finite Element Analysis is based on certain assumptions, the results obtained should be compared and / or verified with the results obtained by experimental methods. One of the most suitable methods preferred in many engineering structures is the experimental modal analysis method. Within the scope of the study, experimental vibration tests were carried out in order to evaluate and determine the structural behavior of the double curvature Deriner Arch Dam, which has a body height of 249m and a crest length of 720m. Experimental measurements were carried out with accelerometers placed in appropriate places in order to obtain the mode shapes of the dam. The dynamic characteristics of the dam were determined using OMA software. The first seven natural frequencies of the Deriner arch dam were obtained in the range 1.60-4.10Hz. As a result of the negotiations with the DSI 26th Regional Directorate, the acceleration data obtained from the existing accelerometer system of the dam was instantly taken and a continuous monitoring process was initiated. This data was transferred to the web-based monitoring site and a structural condition monitoring platform was created.