A mesh-free approach for fracture modelling of gravity dams under earthquake

• Published in: International journal of fracture Vol. 179; no. 1-2; pp. 9 - 33
• Main Authors: Das, R., Cleary, P. W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.01.2013; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Amplitudes; Automotive Engineering; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Civil Engineering; Classical Mechanics; Computational fluid dynamics; Concrete dams; Crack initiation; Crack propagation; Dam failure; Dams (gravity); Earthquake damage; Earthquake loads; Earthquakes; Economic models; Energy dissipation; Excitation; Failure; Finite element method; Fluid flow; Fracture mechanics; Gravity; Gravity dams; Kinetic energy; Materials Science; Mathematical models; Mechanical Engineering; Meshless methods; Modelling; Numerical prediction; Original Paper; Seismic engineering; Seismic phenomena; Smooth particle hydrodynamics; Stress distribution; Variations; Dam; Smoothed particle hydrodynamics; Earthquake; Fracture; Mesh-free method; Damage; Failure
• ISSN: 0376-9429; 1573-2673
• DOI: 10.1007/s10704-012-9766-3

Fracture is a major cause of failure for concrete gravity dams. This can result in the large-scale loss of human lives and enormous economic consequences. Numerical modelling can play a crucial role in understanding and predicting complex fracture processes, providing useful input to fracture-resistant designs. In this paper, the use of a mesh-free particle method called smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) for modelling of gravity dam failure subject to fluctuating dynamic earthquake loads is explored. The structural response of the Koyna dam is analysed with the base of the dam being subjected to high-intensity periodic ground excitations. The SPH prediction of the crack initiation location and propagation pattern is found to be consistent with existing FEM predictions and experimental results from physical models. The transient stress field and the resulting damage evolution in the dam structure were monitored. The amplitude and frequency of the ground excitation is shown to have considerable influence on the fracture pattern and the associated energy dissipation. The fluctuations in the kinetic energy of the dam wall and its fragments are found to vary with different frequencies and amplitudes as the structure undergoes progressive fracture. The dynamic responses and the fracture patterns predicted establish the strong potential of SPH for fracture modelling of dams and similar large structures.