FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF GRAVITY DAM USING

A.H.SaebStudent of MSc. In structure engineering University of Sistan & Baluchestan

What is a gravity dam?

Assumption Model is 2-dimensional and only its non-overflow

section analyzed. Stability criteria of dam assumed satisfied. The foundation assumed rigid but permeable

thus Uplift effect considered. The dam assumed so long that plain strain

assuption be valid. The structure has a linear elastic behavior and

the material is isotropic and conforming Hook’s law.

Dam profile

Element selection In static analysis of structures, linear elements with

finer mesh size usually are faster than non-linear

elements and have similar accuracy.

The plane42 element selected for model meshing.

PLANE42 specification

•It is a linear element.•Transformative to triangular shape – ability of sharp corner meshing•Compatibility with Fluid29 element that used for structure-water interaction problems•Containing plain strain option

Meshing and Adaptive meshing Ordinary meshing is a geometrical function that divide the

model to elements and before it no loading and boundary

condition is necessary.

Adaptive meshing performing after appling loads and boundary

conditions. The problem solved in several iteration until a goal

error achieved. In every iteration the meshing reformed.

Adaptive meshing is solving the problem due to its

performance.

Adaptive meshing is using for static and steady state problems.

Loading

Dam dead weight with appling equvalent acceleration

Hydrostatic pressure of upstream Uplift pressure acting on foundation

1

X

Y

Z

SEP 14 200912:53:50

ELEMENTS

MAT NUM

MeshingElement edge

length=

2meter

1

X

Y

Z

SEP 15 200900:24:51

ELEMENTS

MAT NUM

Adaptive MeshingGoal error = 1%

No. Of solution=3

Min. Size change

factor=0.25

Min. Size change

factor=2

MeshingDisplacement X-dirction

Adaptive MeshingDisplacement X-dirction

MeshingDisplacement Y-dirction

Adaptive MeshingDisplacement Y-dirction

MeshingNormal stress

X-dirction

Adaptive MeshingNormal stress X-dirction

MeshingNormal stress

Y-dirction

Adaptive MeshingNormal stress Y-dirction

MeshingShear stress

XY plane

Adaptive MeshingShear stress XY plane

Thanks for your attention