DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF A HOLLOW CONCRETE GRAVITY DAM

Abstract

A cellular type hollow concrete gravity dam, which envisages economy in the construction material along with several structural advantages in comparision to a solid gravity dam, has been analysed. The most versatile Finite Element Method of analysis has been used in this study. A computer programme has been developed for the same and an extensive use of digital computer has been made. The analysis has been carried out considering the elastic behaviour of the dam material. Two sections viz., the first symmetrical in geometry with equal upstream and down stream slopes and the .second of conven-tional type with an almost vertical upstream slope, have been chosen keeping equal base width (0.9H) of a 192m (H) high hollow dam. A comparitive study regarding the structural suitability and adoptability of these sections have been made under both the static and dynamic cond.itionsof loading. Parallel analysis of two corresponding solid dam sections of hollow dam have also been parried out in view to study the effect of hollowness provided. Dam sections have also been analysed by the conventional method of analysis for comparing the results obtained by F.E.M. Static stresses have been computed under both ,reserveir empty and filled condition. Free vibration characteristics e.g. Time periods,mode participation factors and mode shapes of each section have been computed under both reservoir empty and filled condition$.