Tensile reliability analysis for gravity dam foundation surface based on FEM and response surface method

Abstract

In this study, the limit state equation for tensile reliability analysis of the foundation surface of a gravity dam was established. The possible crack length was set as the action effect and allowable crack length was set as the resistance in the limit state. The nonlinear FEM was used to obtain the crack length of the foundation surface of the gravity dam, and the linear response surface method based on the orthogonal test design method was used to calculate the reliability, providing a reasonable and simple method for calculating the reliability of the serviceability limit state. The Longtan RCC gravity dam was chosen as an example. An orthogonal test, including eleven factors and two levels, was conducted, and the tensile reliability was calculated. The analysis shows that this method is reasonable.