Comparative study of various smeared crack models for concrete dams

Abstract

The nonlinear seismic response of concrete gravity dams is investigated in the paper. Nonlinear fracture mechanics based on three smeared crack models is used for comparative study of the cracking profile and dam response. Using the finite element method, the dynamic equation is solved by means of the modified Newton-Raphson method and Bosak’s time integration algorithm. The effects of crack models on seismic response of Pine Flat Dam are discussed. The results reveal some differences in principal stress, dam crest displacement, and in the number and shape of cracks.