Sensitivity analysis of factors affecting gravity dam anti-sliding stability along a foundation surface using Sobol method

The anti-sliding stability of a gravity dam along its foundation surface is a key problem in the design of gravity dams.In this study,a sensitivity analysis framework was proposed for investigating the factors affecting gravity dam anti-sliding stability along the foundation surface.According to the design specifications,the loads and factors affecting the stability of a gravity dam were comprehensively selected.Afterwards,the sensitivity of the factors was preliminarily analyzed using the Sobol method with Latin hypercube sampling.Then,the results of the sensitivity analysis were verified with those obtained using the Garson method.Finally,the effects of different sampling methods,probability distribution types of factor samples,and ranges of factor values on the analysis results were evaluated.A case study of a typical gravity dam in Yunnan Province of China showed that the dominant factors affecting the gravity dam anti-sliding stability were the anti-shear cohesion,upstream and downstream water levels,anti-shear friction coefficient,uplift pressure reduction coefficient,concrete density,and silt height.Choice of sampling methods showed no significant effect,but the probability distribution type and the range of factor values greatly affected the analysis results.Therefore,these two elements should be sufficiently considered to improve the reliability of the dam anti-sliding stability analysis.

Application of strength reduction method to dynamic anti-sliding stability analysis of high gravity dam with complex dam foundation

Considering that there are some limitations in analyzing the anti-sliding seismic stability of dam-foundation systems with the traditional pseudo-static method and response spectrum method, the dynamic strength reduction method was used to study the deep anti-sliding stability of a high gravity dam with a complex dam foundation in response to strong earthquake-induced ground action. Based on static anti-sliding stability analysis of the dam foundation undertaken by decreasing the shear strength parameters of the rock mass in equal proportion, the seismic time history analysis was carried out. The proposed instability criterion for the dynamic strength reduction method was that the peak values of dynamic displacements and plastic strain energy change suddenly with the increase of the strength reduction factor. The elasto-plastic behavior of the dam foundation was idealized using the Drucker-Prager yield criterion based on the associated flow rule assumption. The result of elasto-plastic time history analysis of an overflow dam monolith based on the dynamic strength reduction method was compared with that of the dynamic linear elastic analysis, and the reliability of elasto-plastic time history analysis was confirmed. The results also show that the safety factors of the dam-foundation system in the static and dynamic cases are 3.25 and 3.0, respectively, and that the F2 fault has a significant influence on the anti-sliding stability of the high gravity dam. It is also concluded that the proposed instability criterion for the dynamic strength reduction method is feasible.

Interval finite element method and its application on anti-slide stability analysis

The problem of interval correlation results in interval extension is discussed by the relationship of interval-valued functions and real-valued functions. The methods of reducing interval extension are given. Based on the ideas of the paper, the formulas of sub-interval perturbed finite element method based on the elements are given. The sub-interval amount is discussed and the approximate computation formula is given. At the same time, the computational precision is discussed and some measures of improving computational efficiency are given. Finally, based on sub-interval perturbed finite element method and anti-slide stability analysis method, the formula for computing the bounds of stability factor is given. It provides a basis for estimating and evaluating reasonably anti-slide stability of structures.

Stability analysis of concrete gravity dam on complicated foundation with multiple slide planes

A key problem in gravity dam design is providing enough stability to prevent slide, and the difficulty increases if there are several weak structural planes in the dam foundation. Overload and material weakening were taken into account, and a .finite difference strength reserve method with partial safety factors based on the reliability method was developed and used to study the anti-slide stability of a concrete gravity dam on a complicated foundation with multiple slide planes. Possible slide paths were obtained, and the stability of the foundation with possible failure planes was evaluated through analysis of the stress distribution characteristics. The results reveal the mechanism and process of sliding due to weak structural planes and their deformations, and provide a reference for anti-slide stability analysis of gravity dams in complicated geological conditions.

Interface stress element method and its application in analysis of anti-sliding stability of gravity dam

The rigid body limit equilibrium method （LEM） and the nonlinear finite element method （NFEM） are often used in the analysis of anti-sliding stability of gravity dam. But LEM cannot reflect the process of progressive instability and mechanical mecha- nism on failure for rock mass while NFEM is difficult to use to solve the displacement discontinuity of weak structural plane. Combining the research with Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station project, the analysis of anti-sliding stability for segment 12# of the dam has been carried out using interface stress element method （ISEM）. The results can reflect the most dangerous location, the scope and distribution of failure zone in weak structural plane, and present the process of progressive failure in dam foun- dation as well as the safety coefficient of possible sliding body. These achievements provide an important technical reference for dam foundation treatment measures. The computational results show that ISEM can naturally describe discontinuous de- formation of rock mass such as dislocation, openness and sliding. Besides, this method is characterized by good adaptability, convenient calculation and high compatibility, thus it is regarded as an effective way to make an analysis of anti-sliding stabil- ity of gravity dam

Dynamic response of a slope reinforced by double-row antisliding piles and pre-stressed anchor cables

Large-scale shaking table tests were conducted to study the dynamic response of a slope reinforced by double-row anti-sliding piles and prestressed anchor cables. The test results show that the reinforcement suppressed the acceleration amplification effectively. The axial force time histories are decomposed into a baseline part and a vibration part in this study. The baseline part of axial force well revealed the seismic slope stability, the peak vibration values of axial force of the anchor cables changed significantly in different area of the slope under seismic excitations. The peak lateral earth pressure acting on the back of the anti-sliding pile located at the slope toe was much larger than that acting on the back of the anti-sliding pile located at the slope waist. The test results indicate an obvious load sharing ratio difference between these two anti-slide piles, the load sharing ratio between the two anti-sliding piles located at the slope toe and the slope waist varied mainly in a range of 2-5. The anti-slide pile at the slope waist suppressed the horizontal displacement of the slope surface.