Stress-Seepage Fully Coupling Model for High Arch Dam

Abstract:

Based on M language offered by Comsol Multiphysics analysis platform, a 3-D finite element model of a high arch dam was established. In this paper, a practical engineering was taken to be as a case.The coupled seepage-stress field was compared with uncoupled condition under normal storage level. The seepage, stress and displacement fields of the dam were analyzed for discussing the coupled effect. The results show the similar distribution of seepage, stress and displacement fields in the two conditions. However, compared to the uncoupled one, the potential distribution of seepage field is close to downstream, each displacement component increases at different rates, the tensile stress of the upstream rock and the compressive stress of the downstream rock both increases in the coupled condition, which enhances the uplift pressure in the foundation. So the coupled effect of seepage and stress is not beneficial for the dam safety, which cannot be ignored under high water pressure.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 513-517)
• Pages: 4025-4029
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.513-517.4025
• Online since: February 2014
• Authors: Lei Gan*, Zhen Zhong Shen, Rui Wang, Qing Fu Huang
• Keywords: Finite Element Method (FEM), Fully Coupling Model, High Arch Dam, Stress-Seepage

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