Refined mathematical model for the breaching of concrete-face sand-gravel dams due to overtopping failure

Overtopping is one of the main reasons for the breaching of concrete-face sand-gravel dams(CFSGDs).In this study,a refined mathematical model was established based on the characteristics of the overtopping breaching of CFSGDs.The model characteristics were as follows:(1)Based on the Renormailzation Group(RNG)k-εturbulence theory and volume of fluid(VOF)method,the turbulent characteristics of the dam-break flow were simulated,and the erosion surface of the water and soil was tracked;(2)In consideration of the influence of the change in the sediment content on the dam-break flow,the dam material transport equation,which could reflect the characteristics of particle settlement and entrainment motion,was used to simulate the erosion process of the sand gravels;(3)Based on the bending moment balance method,a failure equation of the concrete face slab under dead weight and water load was established.The proposed model was verified through a case study on the failure of the Gouhou CFSGD.The results showed that the proposed model could well simulate the erosion mode of the special vortex flow of the CFSGD scouring the support body of the concrete face slab inward and reflect the mutual coupling relationship between the dam-break flow,sand gravels,and concrete face slabs.Compared with the measured values,the relative errors of the peak discharge,final breach average width,dam breaching duration,and maximum failure length of the face slab calculated using the proposed model were all less than 12%,thus verifying the rationality of the model.The proposed model was demonstrated to perform better and provide more detailed results than three selected parametric models and three simplified mathematical models.The study results can aid in establishing the risk level and devising early warning strategies for CFSGDs.

Numerical simulation of seismic damage and cracking of concrete slabs of high concrete face rockfill dams

Based on the damage constitutive model for concrete, the Weibull distribution function was used to characterize the random distribution of the mechanical properties of materials by finely subdividing concrete slab elements, and a concrete random mesoscopic damage model was established. The seismic response of a 100-m high concrete face rockfill dam(CFRD), subjected to ground motion with different intensities, was simulated with the three-dimensional finite element method(FEM), with emphasis on exploration of damage and the cracking process of concrete slabs during earthquakes as well as analysis of dynamic damage and cracking characteristics during strong earthquakes. The calculated results show that the number of damaged and cracking elements on concrete slabs grows with the duration of earthquakes. With increasing earthquake intensity, the damaged zone and cracking zone on concrete slabs grow wider. During a 7.0-magnitude earthquake, the stress level of concrete slabs is low for the CFRD, and there is almost no damage or slight damage to the slabs. While during a 9.0-magnitude strong earthquake, the percentages of damaged elements and macrocracking elements continuously ascend with the duration of the earthquake, peaking at approximately 26% and 5% at the end of the earthquake, respectively. The concrete random mesoscopic damage model can depict the entire process of sprouting, growing, connecting, and expanding of cracks on a concrete slab during earthquakes.

Seismic responses of high concrete face rockfill dams:A case study

Seismic responses of the Zipingpu concrete face rockfill dam were analyzed using the finite element method. The dynamic behavior of rockfill materials was modeled with a viscoelastic model and an empirical permanent strain model. The relevant parameters were obtained either by back analysis using the field observations or by reference to parameters of similar rockfill materials. The acceleration responses of the dam,the distribution of earthquake-induced settlement, and the gap propagation under the concrete slabs caused by the settlement of the dam were analyzed and compared with site investigations or relevant studies. The mechanism of failure of horizontal construction joints was also analyzed based on numerical results and site observations. Numerical results show that the input accelerations were considerably amplified near the top of the dam, and the strong shaking resulted in considerable settlement of the rockfill materials, with a maximum value exceeding 90 cm at the crest.As a result of the settlement of rockfill materials, the third-stage concrete slabs were separated from the cushion layer. The rotation of the cantilever slabs about the contacting regions, under the combined action of gravity and seismic inertial forces, led to the failure of the construction joints and tensile cracks appeared above the construction joints. The effectiveness and limitations of the so-called equivalent linear method are also discussed.

Prediction of Concrete Faced Rock Fill Dams Settlements Using Genetic Programming Algorithm

In the present study a Genetic Programing model (GP) proposed for the prediction of relative crest settlement of concrete faced rock fill dams. To this end information of 30 large dams constructed in seven countries across the world is gathered with their reported settlements. The results showed that the GP model is able to estimate the dam settlement properly based on four properties, void ratio of dam’s body (e), height (H), vertical deformation modulus (Ev) and shape factor (Sc) of the dam. For verification of the model applicability, obtained results compared with other research methods such as Clements’s formula and the finite element model. The comparison showed that in all cases the GP model led to be more accurate than those of performed in literature. Also a proper compatibility between the GP model and the finite element model was perceived.

Dynamic response of concrete face rockfill dam affected by polarity reversal of near-fault earthquake

In China,an increasing number of high concrete face rockfill dams(CFRDs)are located in high intensity earthquake zones,some of which are close to the seismic fault line.Recordings suggest that near-fault ground motions are characterized by large one-sided velocity pulses.The conventional dynamic analysis of dams,however,neglects the features of strong ground movements.In this study,under different ground motion levels some numerical dynamic studies considering the one-sided broadband pulses of near-fault earthquakes are presented for CFRDs based on a generalized plasticity model for rockfill materials.The results indicate that the displacements of dam crest corresponding to positive and reverse input of near-fault ground motion make a significant difference,while the displacements of the dam crest under artificial seismic waves are similar.Furthermore,using the horizontal and vertical components as simultaneous excitations near the faults,the displacements of the dam crest before and after reversing the motion produce a larger difference than that using a single component.More importantly,the difference of horizontal displacements of the dam crest caused by polarity reversal of near-fault ground motions increases with the increase of earthquake intensity.Due to the randomness and uncertainties of earthquakes,using a stochastic near-field motion input as excitation without considering the polarity(i.e.,positive vs reversed waveform),does not necessarily obtain a conservative result.

A simplified physically-based breach model for a high concrete-faced rockfill dam:A case study

A simplified physically-based model was developed to simulate the breaching process of the Gouhou concrete-faced rockfill dam （CFRD）, which is the only breach case of a high CFRD in the world. Considering the dam height, a hydraulic method was chosen to simulate the initial scour position on the downstream slope, with the steepening of the downstream slope taken into account; a headcut erosion formula was adopted to simulate the backward erosion as well. The moment equilibrium method was utilized to calculate the ultimate length of a concrete slab under its self-weight and water loads. The calculated results of the Gouhou CFRD breach case show that the proposed model provides reasonable peak breach flow, final breach width, and failure time, with relative errors less than 15% as compared with the measured data. Sensitivity studies show that the outputs of the proposed model are more or less sensitive to different parameters. Three typical parametric models were compared with the proposed model, and the comparison demonstrates that the proposed physically-based breach model performs better and provides more detailed results than the parametric models.

Seepage simulation of high concrete-faced rockfill dams based on generalized equivalent continuum model

This research focused on the three-dimensional(3 D) seepage field simulation of a high concrete-faced rockfill dam(CFRD) under complex hydraulic conditions. A generalized equivalent continuum model of fractured rock mass was used for equivalent continuous seepage field analysis based on the improved node virtual flow method. Using a high CFRD as an example, the generalized equivalent continuum range was determined, and a finite element model was established based on the terrain and geological conditions, as well as structural face characteristics of the dam area. The equivalent seepage coefficients of different material zones or positions in the dam foundation were calculated with the Snow model or inverse analysis. Then, the 3 D seepage field in the dam area was calculated under the normal water storage conditions, and the corresponding water head distribution, seepage flow, seepage gradient, and seepage characteristics in the dam area were analyzed. The results show that the generalized equivalent continuum model can effectively simulate overall seepage patterns of the CFRD under complex hydraulic conditions and provide a reference for seepage analysis of similar CFRDs.

Fuzzy Earthwork Dynamic Allocation and Optimization for Construction of High Concrete Face Rockfill Dam

Due to the complexity of earthwork allocation system for the construction of high concrete face rockfill dam,traditional allocation and planning are not able to function properly in the construction process with strong randomness.In this paper,the working mechanism of earthwork dynamic allocation system is analyzed comprehensively and a solution to fuzzy earthwork dynamic allocation is proposed on the basis of uncertain factors in the earthwork allocation of a hydropower project.Under the premise of actual situation and the experience of the construction site,an all-coefficient-fuzzy linear programming mathematical model with fuzzy parameters and constraints for earthwork allocation is established according to the structure unit weighted ranking criteria.In this way,the deficiency of certain allocation model can be overcome.The application results indicate that the proposed method is more rational compared with traditional earthwork allocation.

Reservoir water effects on earthquake performance evaluation of Torul Concrete-Faced Rockfill Dam

This study presents earthquake performance analysis of the Torul Concrete-Faced Rockfill （CFR） Dam with two-dimensional dam-soil and dam-soil-reservoir finite element models. The Lagrangian approach was used with fluid elements to model impounded water. The interface elements were used to simulate the slippage between the concrete face slab and the rockfill. The horizontal component of the 1992 Erzincan earthquake, with a peak ground acceleration of 0.515g, was considered in time-history analysis. The Drucker-Prager model was preferred in nonlinear analysis of the concrete slab, rockfill and foundation soil. The maximum principal stresses and the maximum displacements in two opposite directions were compared by the height of the concrete slab according to linear time-history analysis to reveal the effect of reservoir water. The changes of critical displacements and principal stresses with time are also shown in this paper. According to linear and nonlinear time-history analysis, the effect of the reservoir water on the earthquake performance of the Torul CFR Dam was investigated and the possible damage situation was examined. The results show that the hydrodynamic pressure of reservoir water leads to an increase in the maximum displacements and principal stresses of the dam and reduces the earthquake performance of the dam. Although the linear time-history analysis demonstrates that the earthquake causes a momentous damage to the concrete slab of the Torul CFR Dam, the nonlinear time-history analysis shows that no evident damage occurs in either reservoir case.

250 m级特高面板堆石坝混凝土面板顺坡向应力控制措施研究

面板应力变形控制是建设250 m级特高混凝土面板堆石坝的关键难题.大量工程实测案例和研究计算表明,特高面板坝压应力常处于较高水平,对于坝轴向应力来说,采用柔性缝降低压应力措施已被工程界普遍接受,然而,目前对于如何降低面板顺坡向压应力尚缺少有效的解决方法.本文以拟建的240 m级GS面板坝为研究对象,从特殊增模区布置、面板施工顺序、面板低高程柔性横缝、高压力区高强度混凝土材料等4个方面提出改善面板顺坡向应力的工程措施.文中通过三维有限元精细模拟方法分析了提出的顺坡向应力改善措施的效果,文中提出的措施可为250 m面板堆石坝面板应力控制提供借鉴.

水循环荷载作用下高面板堆石坝长期变形特性研究

高面板堆石坝的长期变形是面板坝建设中的关键技术问题之一,已有研究大多将长期变形归结为堆石体蠕变的结果,但某些高面板堆石坝的变形原型监测资料显示,仅从堆石体蠕变角度难以解释高面板堆石坝长期变形的机理。通过水布垭面板堆石坝17a的变形监测资料分析和室内低频循环荷载作用下堆石料变形特性试验,探讨了实际运行中库水位周期性变化形成的循环荷载对高面板堆石坝长期变形特性的影响。结果表明:(1)坝体填筑和初次蓄水引起堆石体的瞬时变形和蠕变,堆石体的后期变形主要是水循环荷载长期作用的结果。(2)水循环荷载作用下,堆石体的变形表现为两种形式,其一为不可恢复的永久变形(亦称为残余变形),其二为可恢复的弹性变形。(3)室内低频循环荷载作用试验得到的堆石料变形及其增长规律很好地验证了水循环荷载与堆石坝后期变形的相互关系以及后期变形的力学意义。研究成果为高面板堆石坝长期变形特性研究提供了新的思路,并为具有往复大消落特点的高面板堆石坝变形及安全控制提供借鉴。

强震区抽蓄电站沥青混凝土面板堆石坝抗震稳定性分析

我国西北强震区某拟建抽水蓄能电站上水库采用沥青混凝土面板堆石坝,最大坝高161 m。为分析该坝抗震稳定性,在大坝非线性静力分析基础上,采用改进的等效粘弹性模型和有限元动力时程法等理论,对大坝开展三维有限元地震反应和坝坡抗震稳定性计算。结果表明,大坝在100年1%超越概率的校核地震(地震加速度为0.48g)作用下,坝体及面板的动力反应分布规律合理。其中,坝体顺河向、坝轴向、竖向加速度极值分别为13.93、13.91、13.80 m/s^(2)。考虑静动叠加后,在沥青混凝土面板反弧段的拉应变极值达0.95%,但小于改性沥青混凝土抗拉强度的一般允许值。因此,大坝即使遭遇0.48g的校核地震作用,亦能保持较好的整体安全性,不会出现重大抗震安全事故。

基于ORD的面板堆石坝建模关键技术与应用

针对面板堆石坝在大坝前期设计阶段方案比选多、工作量大的问题,结合面板堆石坝结构设计原理,提出一种基于ORD软件的参数化建模方法,即利用OpenRoads Designer软件研究创建面板堆石坝BIM模型的关键环节和要点,并实现将坝体结构转换为一系列逻辑约束的组件来创建坝参数化模板,并将其应用于贵州省望谟县某面板堆石坝方案比选中。实际应用结果表明,该方法用于面板堆石坝建模和前期设计方案比选切实可行,大大提高了设计效率,且成果输出展示更直观,为面板堆石坝BIM技术应用提供了新思路。

面板堆石坝主要分区渗透系数反演及敏感性分析

参数反演是工程渗流分析中确定材料合理的渗透系数的常用手段,但对材料分区较多的面板堆石坝等工程,若对所有分区渗透系数进行反演,将会降低反演效率和精度。对此,以某面板堆石坝工程为例,建立其三维有限元稳定渗流分析模型。通过设计5因子3水平正交试验,并采用测点水头值为分析指标,开展了各分区材料渗透系数对渗流场的敏感性分析,最终确定对渗流场影响较大的材料分区。利用ELM-GA算法对其渗透系数进行反演,结果表明测点水头计算值与实测值最大相对误差仅为2.2%,得到的渗透系数可用于坝址区的渗流计算分析。研究结果可为类似工程提供借鉴。

基于LSTM的面板堆石坝变形预测实例应用与对比分析

堆石料流变效应引起的面板堆石坝工后变形持续积累,可能引起面板的压碎、开裂、错动或脱空,严重影响大坝的长效运行安全。基于深度学习(长短期记忆LSTM)技术,结合泽雅水库建库以来表面变形人工监测数据对大坝的长期变形行为进行了预测,同时针对沉降变形开展了统计模型预测与LSTM预测的对比分析。结果表明,经过数据清洗后LSTM方法具有良好的预测精度和稳定性,大坝表面沉降和水平位移在蓄水后35年~40年基本达到稳定,变形稳定时最大沉降量和水平位移分别为272.60 mm和178.92 mm。

堆石坝面板挤压破坏机理分析及预防探讨

为探索堆石坝面板挤压破坏机理,以某水利枢纽工程为例,应用三维有限元法进行了堆石坝面板坝轴向应力分布规律以及竖缝压缩模量对面板挤压应力影响的分析,结果表明满蓄期内在水压力的作用下,堆石体对面板施加河谷向摩擦力,面板坝轴向应力主要为压应力,最大值出现在河谷中部,坝肩拉应力较小;随着坝高增大,满蓄期和后续运行期内面板坝轴向压应力均呈增大趋势;在面板受压区竖缝采取低压缩模量填充材料后,面板坝轴向压应力降低明显。

基于BIM的CAD/CAE一体化分析技术在水利水电工程中的应用

在设计企业数字化转型的背景下,为提高水利水电工程数字化设计过程中结构分析水平,提高数据利用效率,本文研究了一个CAD/CAE一体化分析插件。插件基于MicroStation和Ansys软件平台研发,能够将BIM设计模型中的几何数据及材料数据导入至CAE软件中用于前处理工作,扩大了对复杂结构进行CAD/CAE一体化的适用范围;将Ansys软件中的计算结果数据转换至MicroStation平台中用于后处理工作,独立于CAE软件的后处理模块,有利于数据的流转和存储。插件在某面板堆石坝的结构分析过程中得到了良好应用,提高了数据利用水平。相关技术可用于其他水利水电工程结构分析模块中。

混凝土面板堆石坝渗流特性分析研究

笔者采用渗流分析理论和有限元方法对某混凝土面板堆石坝进行渗流特性计算和敏感性分析。结果表明:大坝渗流压力、总水头、水力梯度和渗流速度计算结果符合一般规律,渗流量计算结果与测量值接近;渗流量对面板和帷幕均较为敏感,坝基渗流压力则受帷幕渗透系数影响显著。该研究成果可为类似工程计算分析提供参考借鉴。

荒沟抽蓄电站工程上水库三维有限元渗流计算分析

荒沟抽蓄电站是黑龙江省首座全面投产发电的抽水蓄能电站,上水库采用主、副挡水坝+垂直防渗帷幕的局部防渗形式。为整体分析库区渗控效果,本文采用有限元计算软件Midas GTS-NX建立包含坝体、帷幕等整体库区的三维有限元渗流模型,分析计算大坝及库周的渗流特性,研究上水库大坝筑成后结合防渗帷幕的整体防渗效果,该研究对局部防渗抽水蓄能电站的三维渗流计算具有一定指导意义。