Static , Modal and

Transient Analysis of a

Gravity Dam

Gravity Dam Description

We want to analyze a concrete gravity dam. The analyses that we

are going to perform are: static analysis, modal analysis and

transient analysis.

Gravity Dam Description

This is a gravity Dam that holds water by means of the

concrete weight that conforms the dam.

Gravity Dam Description

The Dam structure is made up of several separated monolithic elements as shown in the figure. These elements are separated by vertical joints. The contact type selected between the different elements and between the dam and the ground is of the “Touching Contact” type.

Static Analysis

In the Static Analysis the loading includes linearly increasing element surface pressure as a result of hydrostatic loading. Standard inertial gravity loading is also applied.

Static Analysis: Results

In the figure, the user can see the most interesting results of the static analysis.

• X component of displacement

Static Analysis: Results

• Z component of stress

• Y component of stress

Static Analysis: Results

• Von Mises equivalent stress

Modal Analysis

• Modal analysis results are used as a reference in further analysis for either a spectral response analysis or for a linear transient dynamic analysis.

Modal Analysis

Transient Analysis: earthquake motion

With CivilFEM the user can perform a transient dynamic time history analysis considering joint behavior (geometric nonlinearity) and

material nonlinearity .

You can define several

excitation functions by

using time-dependent

accelerations, velocities or

displacements in different

directions.

CivilFEM allows the user to convert simple loads (forces, linear

pressure, etc.) into point mass particles by entering the following

data: Acceleration, direction of acceleration and load ratio, so you

can simulate the equivalent hydrodynamic mass.

In this case a time-dependent X displacement has been entered into the foundation as

a boundary condition simulating ground motion induced by an earthquake.

Transient Analysis: earthquake motion

• The user can see the variation of results over time, ie, for

different time steps.

Transient Analysis: earthquake motion

• The relative displacement between two points on both sides of a joint can be compared