Direct finite element method for nonlinear earthquake analysis of concrete dams: Simplification, modeling, and practical application

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 818-842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnkjell Løkke ◽  
Anil K. Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Method ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Concrete Dams ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Element Method

Damage detection based on system identification of concrete dams using an extended finite element–wavelet transform coupled procedure

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (18) ◽  
pp. 4226-4246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajjad Pirboudaghi ◽  
Reza Tarinejad ◽  
Mohammad Taghi Alami
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Method ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Wavelet Transform ◽  
System Identification ◽  
Damage Detection ◽  
Cohesive Crack ◽  
Modal Parameters ◽  
Concrete Dams ◽  
Extended Finite Element ◽  
Element Method

The aim of the present study is to propose a procedure for seismic cracking identification of concrete dams using a coupling of the extended finite element method (XFEM) based on cohesive crack segments (XFEM-COH) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT). First, the dam is numerically modeled using the traditional finite element method (FEM). Then, cracking capability is added to the dam structure by applying the XFEM-COH for concrete material. The results of both the methods under the seismic excitation have been compared and identified to damage detection purposes. In spite of predefined damage in some of the structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques, there is an advantage in the XFEM model where the whole dam structure is potentially under damage risk without initial crack, and may not crack at all. Finally, in order to evaluate any change in the system, that is, specification of any probable crack effects and nonlinear behavior, the structural modal parameters and their variation have been investigated using system identification based on the CWT. The results show that the extended finite element–wavelet transform procedure has high ability for the online SHM of concrete dams that by analysis of its results, the history of physical changes, cracking initiation time, and exact damage localization have been performed from comparing the intact (FEM) and damaged (XFEM) modal parameters of the structural response. In addition, any small change in the system is observable while the final crack profile and performance simulation of the dam body under strong seismic excitations have obtained.

Numerical simulation of concrete expansion in concrete dams affected by alkali–aggregate reaction: state-of-the-art

1995 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 692-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Léger ◽  
R. Tinawi ◽  
N. Mounzer
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Finite Element Method ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Concrete Dams ◽  
Structural Behaviour ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Alkali Aggregate Reaction ◽  
Strength And Stiffness ◽  
Element Method

Many concrete dams and other concrete structures in Canada, and throughout the world, are suffering from deteriorations induced by alkali–aggregate reaction (AAR) that impair the durability and serviceability, and might also affect, in the long term, the safety of the installation. Alkali–aggregate reaction produces concrete expansion, and generally leads to a loss of strength and stiffness (cracking), and generates undesirable deformations and disturbances in the equilibrium of internal forces. The expansion mechanisms in concrete affected by AAR are complex and influenced by a number of factors that are difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, advanced numerical simulation models are generally used in close conjunction with field monitoring of displacements to assist in the structural evaluation and rehabilitation of dams where AAR has been identified. A review of the physical processes that control the structural behaviour of concrete dams suffering from AAR, and numerical simulation procedures to represent AAR concrete expansion by the finite element method, is presented herein. The present state of knowledge to simulate the AAR expansion process has been found to be limited and not yet satisfactorily developed. A methodology to distribute the observed concrete expansion in proportion to the compressive stress state, temperature, moisture, and the reactivity of the concrete constituents is proposed in this paper as a first step to rationalize the numerical modelling of the AAR concrete swelling process in concrete dams. Key words: alkali–aggregate reaction, concrete dams, finite element method, dam safety.

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