Keywords: Kinta dam, RCC dam, 2D finite element analysis, elasto-plastic, interface elements, thin layer, Mohr-Coulomb, static analysis, seismic analysis.

The application of finite element method to the analysis of discontinuous structural systems had received a considerable interest in recent years. This study presents a finite element analysis technique used in analyzing discontinuous system subjected to static, dynamic, or seismic loading. The discontinuities were modelled by using thin layer interface elements designed to simulate the actual behaviour at the interfaces between contacting materials. Nonlinear elasto-plastic constitutive models of the thin layer interface elements are evolved to trace different modes of deformations along discontinuities and soil-structure contact. As an application, the response of the 76.8 m high Kinta RCC dam, located in Malaysia was analyzed under static and dynamic loads.

Time domain analysis using nonlinear contact elements located at the dam-foundation interface have been used to determine the dynamic modes of deformation of the thin layer interface, debonding, slip and crushing of the interface as well as to evaluate the overall stability of the dam. A nonlinear dynamic analysis is carried out in time domain utilizing the Newmark method considering gravity, and earthquake loading. In the dynamic analysis the response of the dam is investigated with respect to horizontal ground motion with a peak acceleration of 0.27g. The analysis is performed with the aim of predicting the response of RCC dam and the contact area along the dam-foundation interface in term of displacement, stress, and acceleration which was essential for the safety and stability of the dam during the normal operation and during possible earthquake loading condition. The numerical results show that nonlinear elasto-plastic modelling of the dam-foundation interface reduces the seismic response of the system, indicating the possibility of more rational and economical designs.

This paper focuses on the behaviour of the discontinuity between the dam and foundation through non-linear modelling of debonding, slipping and crushing of the discontinuity media under dynamic loads. A computer code has been developed using finite-infinite elements to simulate the dam body, rock foundation and the far media of the foundation.

A thin layer element has been used to model the interface between the dam and foundation. The modified Mohr-Coulomb criterion was implemented to simulate different modes of deformation and the failure of the thin layer element. The required formulation of the thin layer has been evolved using the theory of plasticity.

purchase the full-text of this paper (price £20)

go to the previous paper
go to the next paper
return to the table of contents
return to the book description
purchase this book (price £140 +P&P)