Numerical Analysis of Dams with Extensive Cracking due to Concrete Hydration: Simulation of a Real Case

Published in Dam Engineering Vol. 3 (1), pp. 1-22, 1992

Abstract

The paper presents the computational model developed to study an existing large gravity dam suffering from observed "pathological behavior" resulting concrete hydration. The combined effect of water intrusion and chemical and numerical studies. The present study was undertaken to simulate numerically the observed phenomenon and to predict future developments. Concrete is modelled using an isotropic continuum damage model including visco-elastic effects. The triggering of the volumetric expansion resulting from water intrusion is linked to the onset of damage at each a point, assuming that water enters dam mostly through the damaged areas. Transversal construction joints are modelled using smeared joints. Temperature and porewater pressure effects are included using assumed distributions based on available field data. Results are presented which match reasonably well with the available filed measurements.