Abstract
Dams located in cold areas are subjected to large seasonal temperature variations and many concrete dams have cracked as a result. In the 14th International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) Benchmark Workshop, a case study was presented where contributors should predict the cracking and displacements due to seasonal variations. In this paper, the conclusions from this case study are presented. Overall, the results from the contributors are well in line with the observations that can be made on the dam and the measurements performed. This shows that using non-linear numerical models is a suitable tool to accurately predict cracking and estimate the displacements of cracked dams. This case study also highlighted important aspects that need special consideration in order to obtain realistic results that can be used to predict the crack pattern, these being: (1) the importance of performing transient thermal analyses based on robin boundary conditions; (2) the influence of contact formulation between the concrete dam and the foundation; and (3) the use of realistic non-linear material properties. The results and conclusions presented in this paper constitute one important step in achieving best practices to estimate dam safety and better understand the potential failure modes and ageing of concrete dams.
Highlights
For many large concrete structures, the load effects that occur from variations in ambient conditions may be the dominating loads that introduce significant stresses in the structure
Numerical models based on the finite element method have been used to assess the deformations or induced stresses from seasonal temperature variations
The benchmark workshop is presented along with the conclusions and lessons learned regarding the numerical analyses of the seasonal temperature variations of concrete dams
Summary
For many large concrete structures, the load effects that occur from variations in ambient conditions may be the dominating loads that introduce significant stresses in the structure. Numerical models based on the finite element method have been used to assess the deformations or induced stresses from seasonal temperature variations (see [10,11,12,13], among others) In these types of studies, the predicted behaviour is commonly calibrated or compared with measurements. The formulators of the theme defined and delivered the geometry, material properties, and loads, while some other aspects of the numerical modelling were intentionally undefined to allow the contributors to make their assumptions and choices [1] The aim of this benchmark workshop was to make blind predictions of the extent of cracking and to assess its influence on the response (e.g., displacements) of the dam. The benchmark workshop is presented along with the conclusions and lessons learned regarding the numerical analyses of the seasonal temperature variations of concrete dams
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
