An Interactive Tool for Automatic Predimensioning and Numerical Modeling of Arch Dams

Abstract

The construction of double-curvature arch dams is an attractive solution from an economic viewpoint due to the reduced volume of concrete necessary for their construction as compared to conventional gravity dams. Due to their complex geometry, many criteria have arisen for their design. However, the most widespread methods are based on recommendations of traditional technical documents without taking into account the possibilities of computer-aided design. In this paper, an innovative software tool to design FEM models of double-curvature arch dams is presented. Several capabilities are allowed: simplified geometry creation (interesting for academic purposes), preliminary geometrical design, high-detailed model construction, and stochastic calculation performance (introducing uncertainty associated with material properties and other parameters). This paper specially focuses on geometrical issues describing the functionalities of the tool and the fundamentals of the design procedure with regard to the following aspects: topography, reference cylinder, excavation depth, crown cantilever thickness and curvature, horizontal arch curvature, excavation and concrete mass volume, and additional elements such as joints or spillways. Examples of application on two Spanish dams are presented and the results obtained analyzed.

Probabilistic Identification of Seismic Response Mechanism in a Class of Similar Arch Dams

“…Future research can be directed on developing a generalized PSDM for arch dams which is function of not only IM and limit state (LS) but also the geometry variables [44] in the form of EDP = f (I M, LS, Geo). Acknowledgments: The first author would like to express his sincere appreciation to his former advisor (and current mentor), Victor E. Saouma, at the University of Colorado Boulder for his enthusiastic guidance and advice throughout this research.…”

Anomaly Detection in Dam Behaviour with Machine Learning Classification Models

“…A portion of the foundation was included in the 3D model with the conventional dimensions for structural analyses: foundation domain of two heights of the dam in depth, upstream and downstream directions and more than half the length of the dam on the left and right sides (Figure 3). The geometry was generated using a tool developed by the authors [10], which assists in creating the 3D model of arch dams from the geometrical definition of the arches and cantilevers. The mesh size in the dam body was chosen to ensure at least three elements along the radial direction, while the size of the elements of the foundation was increased gradually up to 25 m. This resulted in a mesh of 33,000 nodes forming 173,000 tetrahedra, generated with the GiD software [11].…”

A Review on Thermo-mechanical Modelling of Arch Dams During Construction and Operation: Effect of the Reference Temperature on the Stress Field

“…3. It is integrated with an assistant for generating the geometry and mesh of double-curvature arch dams [107], which facilitates the whole design and analysis process. 4.…”