Investigation into the performance-based blast-resistance evaluation for concrete gravity dams

Abstract

In recent years, the blast-resistance of dams under extreme explosion conditions has received more and more concerns by managers and engineers. The blast-resistance evaluation and safety control criteria for concrete gravity dams subjected to explosion loads are still controversial problems. To this end, a fully coupled three-dimensional finite element model of a concrete gravity dam is established to simulate the damage modes of the dam under various explosion scenarios. Then, a performance-based blast-resistance evaluation framework of concrete gravity dams is established in this study to consider the global safety of the dam, including the global crack evolution and the stabilities of dam head and dam foundation. According to the evaluation framework, a blast-vibration-based model for dam head safety, a modified model against sliding for dam foundation stability, and a global damage index with water retaining performance are provided in this study to discuss the global safety of the dam experienced explosions. Finally, safety control criteria of the dam are also proposed as an example, which provide theoretical support for the further protection design of the dam.