Loading...
1 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
- Numerical models for seismic analysis of arch damsPublication . Alegre, André; Oliveira, Sérgio; MENDES, PAULO; Proença, Jorge; Carvalho, Ezequiel; Matsinhe, BrunoThis paper presents a study on the seismic behaviour of large arch dams under strong earthquakes. The numerical simulations are carried out using DamDySSA, a 3D finite element program developed for dynamic analysis of concrete dams, which includes calculation modules for linear seismic analysis and for non-linear seismic analysis, considering the effects of joint movements and tensile and compressive damage in concrete. The case studies are the 132 m-high Cabril dam, in Portugal, and the 170 m high Cahora Bassa dam, in Mozambique. The seismic response results computed using linear and non-linear models are compared, in order to investigate the influence of the joint movements on the structural response, and to analyse the resulting concrete damage under a strong seismic load. Overall, there was a release of arch stresses in the upper part of both dams, due to the opening of the vertical joints, and consequently an increase of vertical stresses along the main cantilevers, causing concrete tensile failure. Furthermore, this study emphasized the potential of the developed numerical methods and thus of DamDySSA for predicting the non-linear seismic behaviour of arch dams.