| Abstract: | In the study of concrete-face dams it is essential to provide joint elements; otherwise the calculated stresses at the facing will be non-allowable. Three-dimensional joint elements must be simple so as not to increase in excess the CPU time. Seven non-incremental joint elements have been formulated or developed, and their relative advantages discussed. It is shown that quasi-linear or linear joint elements at the perimeter of the solid elements can have calculation advantages, specially for interfaces with ‘no tension’ resistance. A system of thin solid finite elements (FE) joints at the face may reproduce qualitatively the displacements and stresses, but not quantitatively. With a system of quasi-linear elements placed at the boundaries of the solid FE we have been able to predict correctly the displacements, strains and joint openings at Cethana concrete-faced rockfill dam. |
