Numerical Modeling of Cracked Arch Dams. Effect of Open Joints during the Construction Phase

Resumen

Performing a numerical model for a cracked arch dam that takes into account all the particularities of the materials, joints, cracking, etc. with a high level of detail has a great computational cost involved. For this reason, it is usual to simplify the models in search of a simpler solution, but preserving the characteristic of being representative, with all the particularities that the model of an arch dam has. In this article, a study of the need and adequacy of different approaches on per-formance (accuracy and computational time) is proposed. For this purpose, an accurate method-ology for the numerical simulation of deformations in cracked arch dams is presented. Using a real dam, different simplifications commonly used in numerical models are compared. We have quantified the effect of considering open the transverse joints and the difference versus not con-sidering these joints. It is also concluded that some of the standard simplifications produce an important effect on the accuracy of the results.