Analysis of a Dam Embankment in Terms of Hydration Heat and Shrinkage

Abstract:

This paper deals with the stress analysis and prediction of crack formation caused by the development of hydration heat and shrinkage in the expansion block of the Nové Heřminovy dam. During the design of the concrete gravity dam, extensive analysis were carried out in order to predict the occurrence of cracks induced by hydration heat development and shrinkage within the first 10 years after the start of construction. The aim of the analysis was to predict the location, depth, and width of cracks under given conditions and to provide recommendations for minimizing crack formation in the structure. In the first stage, a parametric study on a sectional model was carried out, which led to the optimization of technological procedures and the concreting schedule. Subsequently, a global model of a typical gravity block of the dam was created to simulate the boundary conditions of the structure as accurately as possible during construction and subsequent operation, and to obtain results regarding stress distribution and areas with a risk of cracking. The analysis was performed using nonlinear numerical calculations in ATENA software, while also incorporating transport analysis of temperature and environmental humidity.

• Periodical: Advances in Science and Technology (Volume 176)
• Pages: 175-184
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-6CNSj0
• Online since: May 2026
• Authors: Milan Holý*, Simona Potůčková, Petr Kněž, Jiří Kolísko
• Keywords: Hydration Heat, Massive Constructions, Shrinkage, Transport Analysis

References

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