• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• 제65권1호
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• pp.69-79
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• 2018

This paper is devoted to two new techniques for free vibration analysis of concrete arch dam-reservoir systems. The proposed schemes are quadratic ideal-coupled eigen-problems, which can solve the originally non-symmetric eigen-problem of the system. To find the natural frequencies and mode shapes, a new special-purpose eigen-value solution routine is developed. Moreover, the accuracy of the proposed approach is thoroughly assessed, and it is confirmed that the new scheme is very accurate under all practical conditions. It is also concluded that both decoupled and ideal-coupled strategy proposed in the previous works can be considered as special cases of the current more general procedure.

• Advances in Computational Design
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• 제3권1호
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• pp.87-112
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• 2018

In this study, it is aimed to present engineering software to estimate the structural response of concrete arch dam. Type-1 concrete arch dam constructed in the laboratory is selected as a reference model. Finite element analyses and experimental measurements are conducted to show the accuracy of initial model. Dynamic analyses are carried out by spectrum analysis under empty reservoir case considering soil-structure interaction and fixed foundation condition. The displacements, principal stresses and strains are presented as an analysis results at all nodal points on downstream and upstream faces of dam body. It is seen from the analyses that there is not any specific ratio between prototype and scaled models for each nodal point with different scale values. So, dynamic analyses results cannot be generalized with a single formula. To eliminate this complexity, the regression analysis, which is a statistical method to obtain the real model results according to the prototype model by using fitting curves, is used. The regression analysis results are validated by numerical solutions using ANSYS software and the error percentages are examined. It is seen that 10% error rates are not exceeded.

• Coupled systems mechanics
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.85-110
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• 2013

Generally, mass concrete structural behavior is governed by the strain components. However, relevant guidelines in dam engineering evaluate the structural behavior of concrete dams using stress-based criteria. In the present study, strain-based criteria are proposed for the first time in a professional manner and their applicability in seismic failure evaluation of an arch dam are investigated. Numerical model of the dam is provided using NSAD-DRI finite element code and the foundation is modeled to be massed using infinite elements at its far-end boundaries. The coupled dam-reservoir-foundation system is solved in Lagrangian-Eulerian domain using Newmark-${\beta}$ time integration method. Seismic performance of the dam is investigated using parameters such as the demand-capacity ratio, the cumulative inelastic duration and the extension of the overstressed/overstrained areas. Real crack profile of the dam based on the damage mechanics approach is compared with those obtained from stress-based and strain-based approaches. It is found that using stress-based criteria leads to conservative results for arch action while seismic safety evaluation using the proposed strain-based criteria leads to conservative cantilever action.

• Computers and Concrete
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.103-126
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• 2015

Thermal effects are significant loads for assessing concrete dam behaviour during operation. A new methodology to estimate thermal loads on concrete dams taking into account processes which were previously unconsidered, such as: the evaporative cooling, the night radiating cooling or the shades, has been recently reported. The application of this novel approach in combination with a three-dimensional finite element method to solve the heat diffusion equation led to a precise characterization of the thermal field inside the dam. However, that approach may be computationally expensive. This paper proposes the use of a new one-dimensional model based on an explicit finite difference scheme which is improved by means of the reported methodology for computing the heat fluxes through the dam faces. The improved model has been applied to a case study where observations from 21 concrete thermometers and data of climatic variables were available. The results are compared with those from: (a) the original one-dimensional finite difference model, (b) the Stucky-Derron classical one-dimensional analytical solution, and (c) a three-dimensional finite element method. The results of the improved model match well with the observed temperatures, in addition they are similar to those obtained with (c) except in the vicinity of the abutments, although this later is a considerably more complex methodology. The improved model have a better performance than the models (a) and (b), whose results present larger error and bias when compared with the recorded data.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.319-329
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• 2020

Structural damage to an arch dam is often of major concern and must be evaluated for probable rehabilitation to ensure safe, regular, normal operation. This evaluation is crucial to prevent any catastrophic or failure consequences for the life time of the dam. If specific major damage such as a large crack occurs to the dam body, the assessments will be necessary to determine the current level of safety and predict the resistance of the structure to various future loading such as earthquakes, etc. This study investigates the behavior of an arch dam cracked due to water pressure. Safety factors (SFs), of shear and compressive tractions were calculated at the surfaces of the contraction joints and the cracks. The results indicated that for cracking with an extension depth of half the thickness of the dam body, for both cases of penetration and non-penetration of water load into the cracks, SFs only slightly reduces. However, in case of increasing the depth of crack extension into the entire thickness of the dam body, the friction angle of the cracked surface is crucial; however, if it reduces, the normal loading SFs of stresses and joints tractions reduce significantly.