Study of Permanent Thermal Insulation for Arch Dam in Cold Region

Abstract

For virtue of small volume and fast speed of construction, arch dam is the most suitable dam type in cold region, where construction period is relatively short each year. Low average value and large amplitude of atmospheric temperature make temperature stress distribution of arch affect directly by thickness of permanent insulation material as while as the time of thermal insulation. Extreme climate lead to stricter external insulation requirement for cold region arch than these in common district, however, thermal insulation will increase the burden of artificial cooling and extend the construction period. Therefore, it is complicated and critical for arch dam crack prevention to study on permanent thermal insulation. In view of this, finite element method was applied for simulation of construction processes of a practical project in cold region. Influence of permanent thermal insulation layer thickness and selection of insulation time is analyzed, in order to provide basis for permanent thermal insulation optimization.