Thermally-induced cracking of a concrete arch dam using COMSOL Multiphysics

• The design and maintenance of concrete dams in cold regions is a challenging task, in large due to the temperature difference between summer and winter. In order to enhance the knowledge of this, theme A of the 14th International Benchmark Workshop on Numerical Analysis of Dams is dedicated to the prediction of the extent of cracking in a concrete arch dam due to temperature variations. The current study proposes a solution to this using the finite element software COMSOL Multiphysics. A global model is set up to analyze the transient temperature variations as well as the displacements given the assumption of a linear material behavior. To predict the extent of cracking, a rate-dependent isotropic damage model is implemented as an extension of the built-in functionality of COMSOL Multiphysics. Furthermore, a submodel is created to allow for a higher mesh resolution in the non-linear analysis. The results indicate that the considered arch dam suffers a large risk of cracking due to temperature variations, especially on the downstream side. Most cracks propagate during the winter, although some cracks appear already when static loads are applied.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering (hsv//eng)

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Byggvetenskap

Civil and Architectural Engineering

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