Key problems and solutions in arch dam heightening

Abstract

The dam heightening, which is an effective way to increase reservoir volume, has been paid close attention by engineers. Three problems should be dealt with when an arch dam needs to be heightened: stress state getting worse at dam heel, cracking on new added concrete dam surface, and weak bonding between new added concrete and old dam. Taking Geba arch dam as an example, these problems are examined in details through simulation analysis by the finite element method. The tensile stresses on dam’s surface and joint face that have certain relations to the dam heightening can be controlled by some measures.