The Investigation of The Concrete Gravity Dam Based on The Nonlinear Fracture Mechanic

Concrete gravity dams are one of the largest structures in which the continual evaluation of their safety and performance is most important. Cracking of the concrete dams and their propagation in different directions is one of the most important subjects that threat the stability of concrete dam and may results in fracture in dam. In this research, the discrete crack analysis model based on a nonlinear fracture mechanics crack propagation criterion is used to study the cracking and response of dam. Present paper describes 2D linearnonlinear dynamic analyses of concrete gravity dam by finite element method using Newmark approach. For this purpose, KOYNA concrete gravity dam was investigated by applying San-Fernando earthquake considering reservoir- dam- foundation interaction. Finally, the effects of cracking on the response of concrete gravity dam are discussed.

Keywords:

Concrete gravity dam , Discrete crack , KOYNA