Nonlinear seismic response analysis of arch dam-foundation systems- part II opening and closing contact joints

A time-domain method for the analysis of arch dam-foundation rock dynamic interaction during earthquake was proposed, and the dynamic relaxation technique was adopted to obtain the initial static response for dynamic analysis by [Du et al. (2005). The paper has been contributed to Bulletin of earthquake engineering]. In this paper, a nonlinear explicit method in time domain considering the opening and closing effect of contact joints on arch dam during earthquake is further proposed by introducing the dynamic contact force model into the method. The simulation accuracy of dynamic contact force model is verified by comparing its calculation result and test result of scale model on shaking table. Finally, the influence of joints on the seismic response of Xiaowan arch dam is studied by the proposed method and some conclusions are given.     

有缝拱坝-地基系统非线性地震波动反应分析方法

拱坝坝体中缝界面在地震作用下的开、合模拟对拱坝地震反应有重要影响。目前在拱坝地震反应分析中应用的一些模型,如Ｆｅｎｖｅｓ模型、Ｄｏｗｌｉｎｇ的三参数模型,存在对缝界面的接触状态模拟精度不高的问题,这对于准确评价工程上关心的缝界面最大张开率是不足的。此外,坝基中存在的断层、节理、裂隙待软弱夹层的非线性力学特性和无限地基能量辐射作用对拱坝地震反应也有重要影响。在拱坝地震反应分析中同时考虑这三种影响因素     

Integrative seismic safety evaluation of a high concrete arch dam

An integrative seismic safety evaluation of an arch dam should include all sources of nonlinearities, dynamic interactions between different components and the external loads. The present paper investigates the calibration procedure and nonlinear seismic response of an existing high arch dam. The first part explains the conducted analyses for the static and thermal calibrations of the dam based on site measurements. The second part investigates the nonlinear seismic analysis of the calibrated model considering the effect of joints, cracking of mass concrete, reservoir–dam–rock interaction, hydrodynamic pressure inside the opened joints and the geometric nonlinearity. Penetration of the water inside the opened joints accelerates the damage process. The integrative seismic assessment of a case study shows that the dam will fail under the maximum credible earthquake scenario. The dam is judged to be severely damaged with extensive cracking and the joints undergo opening/sliding. A systematic procedure is proposed for seismic and post-seismic safety of dams.     

Nonlinear earthquake analysis of high arch dam–water–foundation rock systems

A nonlinear finite element model for earthquake response analysis of arch dam–water–foundation rock systems is proposed in this paper. The model includes dynamic dam–water and dam–foundation rock interactions, the opening of contraction joints, the radiation damping of semi‐unbounded foundation rock, the compressibility of impounded water, and the upstream energy propagating along the semi‐unbounded reservoir. Meanwhile, a new equivalent force scheme is suggested to achieve free‐field input in the model. The effects of the earthquake input mechanism, joint opening, water compressibility, and radiation damping on the earthquake response of the Ertan arch dam (240 m high) in China are investigated using the proposed model. The results show that these factors significantly affect the earthquake response of the Ertan arch dam. Such factors should therefore be considered in the earthquake response analysis and earthquake safety evaluation of high arch dams. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic stability assessment of an arch dam-foundation system

A seismic stability assessment of arch dam-foundation systems is presented using a comprehensive approach,in which the main factors that significantly influence the seismic response of an arch dam-foundation system are considered.A large scale finite element model with over 1 million degrees of freedom is constructed for the Baihetan arch dam(289 m high),which is under construction in the Southwest of China.In particular,the complicated geological conditions with faults intersecting interlayer shear weakness zones at the dam base and the dam abutment resisting force body is modeled in the analysis.Three performance indices are adopted to assess the seismic stability of the arch dam.The results demonstrate that the opening of the joints of the Baihetan arch dam is small and the water stop installed between the joints would not be torn during a design earthquake.The yielding formed in the interface between the dam and foundation does not reach the grouting curtain that would remain in an elastic state after an earthquake.The yielding zones occurring on the upper portion of the dam faces extend 1/8 thickness of block section into the dam body and thus cantilever blocks need not be concerned with sliding stability.The faults and interlayer shear weakness zones in the near field foundation exhibit severe yielding,and a potential sliding surface is penetrated.Although the factor of safety against sliding of the surface fluctuates with a decreased trend during an earthquake,the minimum instantaneous value reaches 1.02 and is still larger than 1.0.Therefore,a conclusion is drawn that the Baihetan arch dam-foundation system will remain stable under the design earthquake.     

Experimental study of seismic overloading of large arch dam

A dynamic overloading model test has been carried out on a shaking table for an arch dam of 278 m in height to investigate its behaviours under strong earthquake. The model system included the arch dam with contraction joints, part of reservoir, partial foundation rock with topographic feature near the dam. A damping boundary consisting of viscous liquid has been used to simulate the effect of dynamic energy emission to far field, which made the dynamic interaction between dam and foundation in model arch dam system be represented properly. Three sets of different seismic waves of design level have been used as the input to investigate the difference in the responses of arch dam. Artificial waves of different levels have been used to verify the behaviours of arch dam under seismic overloading. Since the opening of joints during strong earthquake reduced the response acceleration and tensile arch stress, cantilever stress on downstream face exceeded the tensile strength first for the model dam. And the arch dam responded in a non‐linear way when input seismic load increased. Some cracks appeared near abutments, and the damage made the natural frequency of arch dam to drop obviously, but the static function did not seem to change for the model tested. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of seismic disaster failure mechanism and dam-break simulation of high arch dam

Based on a Chinese national high arch dam located in a meizoseismal region, a nonlinear numerical analysis model of the damage and failure process of a dam-foundation system is established by employing a 3-D deformable distinct element code(3DEC) and its re-development functions. The proposed analysis model considers the dam-foundation-reservoir coupling effect, infl uence of nonlinear contact in the opening and closing of the dam seam surface and abutment rock joints during strong earthquakes, and radiation damping of far fi eld energy dissipation according to the actual workability state of an arch dam. A safety assessment method and safety evaluation criteria is developed to better understand the arch dam system disaster process from local damage to ultimate failure. The dynamic characteristics, disaster mechanism, limit bearing capacity and the entire failure process of a high arch dam under a strong earthquake are then analyzed. Further, the seismic safety of the arch dam is evaluated according to the proposed evaluation criteria and safety assessment method. As a result, some useful conclusions are obtained for some aspects of the disaster mechanism and failure process of an arch dam. The analysis method and conclusions may be useful in engineering practice.     

Parallel computation of seismic analysis of high arch dam

Parallel computation programs are developed for three-dimensional meso-mechanics analysis of fully-graded dam concrete and seismic response analysis of high arch dams （ADs）, based on the Parallel Finite Element Program Generator （PFEPG）. The computational algorithms of the numerical simulation of the meso-structure of concrete specimens were studied. Taking into account damage evolution, static preload, strain rate effect, and the heterogeneity of the meso-structure of dam concrete, the fracture processes of damage evolution and configuration of the cracks can be directly simulated. In the seismic response analysis of ADs, all the following factors are involved, such as the nonlinear contact due to the opening and slipping of the contraction joints, energy dispersion of the far-field foundation, dynamic interactions of the dam-foundation- reservoir system, and the combining effects of seismic action with all static loads. The correctness, reliability and efficiency of the two parallel computational programs are verified with practical illustrations.     

考虑坝体材料非线性的混凝土拱坝地震反应分析

本文基于可信概率水准的破坏性强震作用,针对小湾高拱坝进行了考虑坝体材料非线性的拱坝地震反应分析。在分析模型中,同时考虑了无约束域地震能量辐射效应和近域地基材料非均匀性的影响。为了实现非线性条件下的静、动力组合分析,利用显式有限元结合修正的黏弹性人工边界的开放系统时域静、动力统一分析方法进行了求解,对在自重作用下的初始静力解计算采用了动力松弛技术。     

拱坝横缝影响及有效抗震措施的研究

大量研究结果和某些拱坝的地震震害表明，横缝对拱坝的地震响应有很大的影响。通过采用非光滑方程组方法以及考虑碰撞时刻动量、动能守恒来模拟横缝所引起的动接触问题，同时为了提高计算效率，采用隐-显式积分方法对坝-基系统的动力平衡方程进行求解。针对在拱坝中上部配筋这一抗震措施，也作了探讨。通过对小湾拱坝的分析，为高拱坝工程抗震措施的选择提供技术依据。     

拱坝非线性地震反应分析

以乌东德拱坝为对象,进行了拱坝非线性地震反应分析。结果表明:坝体损伤区域明显大于坝体混凝土按线弹性材料计算时最大主应力超过抗拉强度的区域,说明传统方法低估了拱坝的开裂范围,偏于危险;考虑基岩的非线性后,坝体损伤总体上要有所减小;坝基岩体剪胀角对坝基岩体的屈服和坝体混凝土的损伤都有影响,但是规律不明确,因此应该进行基岩剪胀角的敏感性分析。     

Influence of seismic input mechanisms and radiation damping on arch dam response

In this study, two different earthquake input models are introduced, i.e. massless foundation model and viscous-spring boundary input model considering radiation damping. Linear elastic and nonlinear contraction joint opening analyses of the 210 m high Dagangshan arch dam under construction in China are performed using the two different earthquake input models. First, the responses of the three-dimensional (3-D) canyon without the dam are analyzed, respectively, with massless-truncated foundation and with viscous-spring boundary; second, linear and nonlinear analyses of the dam–foundation system are performed and compared by using the two input models. Hydrodynamic effects are considered using finite element discretization for incompressible reservoir fluid. It is concluded that stresses and displacements and contraction joint opening in the dam are significantly reduced both in linear and nonlinear analyses when using viscous-spring boundary model. Interestingly, in the case of linear analysis of the Dagangshan, the massless foundation input model with a relatively higher damping ratio of 10% leads to a comparable response of the dam to that using viscous-spring boundary model. In addition, the maximum tensile stresses from nonlinear analysis are 10–25% larger than that of the corresponding linear cases due to a partial release of the arch action.     

A hybrid distinct element–boundary element approach for seismic analysis of cracked concrete gravity dam–reservoir systems

This paper proposes a new algorithm for modeling the nonlinear seismic behavior of fractured concrete gravity dams considering dam–reservoir interaction effects. In this algorithm, the cracked concrete gravity dam is modeled by distinct element (DE) method, which has been widely used for the analysis of blocky media. Dynamic response of the reservoir is obtained using boundary element (BE) method. Formulation and various computational aspects of the proposed staggered hybrid approach are thoroughly discussed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study of a hybrid DE–BE approach for seismic analysis of cracked gravity dam–reservoir systems. The validity of the algorithm is discussed by developing a two-dimensional computer code and comparing results obtained from the proposed hybrid DE–BE approach with those reported in the literature. For this purpose, a few problems of seismic excitations in frequency- and time-domains, are presented using the proposed approach. Present results agree well with the results from other numerical methods. Furthermore, the cracked Koyna Dam is analyzed, including dam–reservoir interaction effects with focus on the nonlinear behavior due to its top profile crack. Results of the present study are compared to available results in the literature in which the dam–reservoir interaction were simplified by added masses. It is shown that the nonlinear analysis that includes dam–reservoir interaction gives downstream sliding and rocking response patterns that are somehow different from that of the case when the dam–reservoir interaction is approximated employing added masses.     

考虑横缝键槽咬合的拱坝地震响应分析

基于非线性指数型动接触本构模型,对实际键槽模型进行简化处理。采用的本构模型可以考虑缝面的开合非线性以及横缝键槽的咬合作用。采用点-面接触模型模拟横缝的非线性动接触行为,精细研究了缝面开度、径向位移的变化及其对坝体应力状态的影响,并与平缝结果进行了比较。以一座拟建的混凝土重力拱坝,探讨了横缝及其诱导缝对大坝工作性态的影响,并对横缝键槽的影响进行了综合分析。研究表明,横缝的径向滑移量要远大于开度,当考虑诱导缝时,由于大坝整体性受到削弱,横缝开度变大;考虑键槽效应后,径向滑移效应大幅减小,而法向开度增大,坝踵处的主拉应力以及拱冠梁顶处的拱向拉应力的最大值均变大。     

Nonuniform earthquake input for arch dam–foundation interaction

Wave scattering and dam–foundation interaction are important aspects of a realistic earthquake analysis of arch dams. In the first part of this paper it is shown how the motion obtained from a two-dimensional scattering analysis can be used as an input for a three-dimensional dam–foundation analysis. In the second part, a method for calculating the scattered motion is explained. The scattered motion is obtained via the two-dimensional dynamic stiffness matrix. The dynamic stiffness matrix for an out-of-plane motion is calculated by the Complementary-Domain Method (CDM). Some examples are presented to verify the method and to show the influence of the scattering of the seismic ground motion.     

Experimental study of dynamic damage of an arch dam

Seismic responses of a 292‐m high arch dam were studied by experiment on a shaking table. The model system included the arch dam with contraction joints, a part of a reservoir, and a partial foundation with a topographic feature near the dam. Potential rock wedges on the abutments and the mechanical properties including uplift on the kinematic planes were carefully simulated. A damping boundary consisting of a viscous liquid was introduced to simulate the effect of dynamic energy emission to far field, which made the dynamic interaction between the dam and the foundation be adequately represented in the model test of an arch dam system. Dynamic responses of the arch dam system under a sequence of seismic loadings in increasing strength were examined. Eleven cracks or overstresses on the model dam due to the earthquake excitations were observed, and consequently, its natural frequency dropped by about 14%, but the model dam was stable under the hydrostatic load of the impounded water after the test. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic soil–structure interaction analysis via coupled finite-element–boundary-element method

In this paper, a study on the transient response of an elastic structure embedded in a homogeneous, isotropic and linearly elastic half-plane is presented. Transient dynamic and seismic forces are considered in the analysis. The numerical method employed is the coupled Finite-Element–Boundary-Element technique (FE–BE). The finite element method (FEM) is used for discretization of the near field and the boundary element method (BEM) is employed to model the semi-infinite far field. These two methods are coupled through equilibrium and compatibility conditions at the soil–structure interface. Effects of non-zero initial conditions due to the pre-dynamic loads and/or self-weight of the structure are included in the transient boundary element formulation. Hence, it is possible to analyse practical cases (such as dam–foundation systems) involving initial conditions due to the pre-seismic loads such as water pressure and self-weight of the dam. As an application of the proposed formulation, a gravity dam has been analysed and the results for different foundation stiffness are presented. The results of the analysis indicate the importance of including the foundation stiffness and thus the dam–foundation interaction.     

A method for coupled arch dam‐foundation‐reservoir seismic behaviour analysis

This paper presents a method for coupled arch dam–foundation–reservoir seismic behaviour analysis. The dam is discretized by finite elements (FE) and the foundation and reservoir are discretized by boundary elements (BE). The opening of contraction joints and the spatial variability of the seismic action is taken into account. The study of Pacoima dam by this method is also presented. The computed results show that no cracks were to be expected due to the vibrations induced during the Feb. 9, 1971 San Fernando earthquake. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

高拱坝体系整体抗震安全评价方法研究

采用非线性地震波动反应分析方法，将坝体、地基、库水的强震反应本质上作为满足体系中接触面边界约束条件的波传播问题，在时域内以显式有限元方法求解。在不同概率水平的地震波作用下进行高拱坝与地基体系的有限元时程分析，并建议了以坝体位移反应发生突变为依据的拱坝体系整体失稳判断准则，从而建立了进行高拱坝体系整体抗震安全评价的方法，并以小湾拱坝为算例，对其抗震安全度作出初步评价。     

Earthquake safety assessment of concrete arch and gravity dams

Based on research studies currently being carried out at Dalian University of Technology, some important aspects for the earthquake safety assessment of concrete dams are reviewed and discussed. First, the rate-dependent behavior of concrete subjected to earthquake loading is examined, emphasizing the properties of concrete under cyclic and biaxial loading conditions. Second, a modified four-parameter Hsieh-Ting-Chen viscoplastic consistency model is developed to simulate the rate-dependent behavior of concrete. The earthquake response of a 278m high arch dam is analyzed, and the results show that the strain-rate effects become noticeable in the inelastic range. Third, a more accurate non-smooth Newton algorithm for the solution of three-dimensional frictional contact problems is developed to study the joint opening effects of arch dams during strong earthquakes. Such effects on two nearly 300m high arch dams have been studied. It was found that the canyon shape has great influence on the magnitude and distribution of the joint opening along the dam axis. Fourth, the scaled boundary finite element method presented by Song and Wolf is employed to study the dam-reservoir-foundation interaction effects of concrete dams. Particular emphases were placed on the variation of foundation stiffness and the anisotropic behavior of the foundation material on the dynamic response of concrete dams. Finally, nonlinear modeling of concrete to study the damage evolution of concrete dams during strong earthquakes is discussed. An elastic-damage mechanics approach for damage prediction of concrete gravity dams is described as an example. These findings are helpful in understanding the dynamic behavior of concrete dams and promoting the improvement of seismic safety assessment methods.